EDUCATION

Lansing: Whitmer Proposes Taxes, Cuts, and Education Shortfall

PUBLISHED Feb 10, 2026, 12:29 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 91%

Right 9%

Sources: 11

Lansing — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week presented a Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal that seeks new revenues and targeted tax relief amid mounting Medicaid shortfalls and flat student reading outcomes. The plan would generate roughly $780 million from taxes on tobacco, vaping, sports betting and digital advertising, and would tap the rainy-day fund, while proposing a 10% property tax cut for senior homeowners. Lawmakers of both parties signaled debate, with House Republicans opposing tax increases. State NAEP scores show Michigan fourth-grade reading proficiency fell from 29% in 2015 to 25% in 2024. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Mahnoor A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2015: NAEP reports Michigan fourth-grade reading proficiency at 29%, ranking behind 42 states.
2015–2023: Michigan lawmakers allocated about $1 billion toward literacy programs tied to a top-10 goal for 2025.
2024: NAEP shows Michigan fourth-grade reading proficiency declined to 25%, ranking behind 45 states.
Early February 2026: Governor Whitmer released a FY2027 budget outline proposing new taxes (~$780M) and tapping $400M from the rainy-day fund.
Feb. 25, 2026: Whitmer scheduled to deliver the State of the State and further detail budget priorities.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 91%, Right 9%

Who Benefited

Senior homeowners and households targeted for tax relief would receive lower tax burdens if the governor's proposals and rollbacks are enacted.

Who Impacted

Consumers of tobacco, vapes, sports betting patrons, digital advertisers and similar businesses would pay higher levies under the proposed revenue plan.