Fast facts from the address:

• 540,000 private-sector jobs have been created in the past 7 years

• Michigan’s per capita personal income has grown 28 percent within the past 7 years, an average of $10,000 more in annual income per resident, making our state number six in the entire nation for such growth

• While our state has battled a shrinking population, last year for the first time since the turn of the century, more people came into Michigan than left Michigan

• Our state is number one in the Great Lakes region for inbound residents with bachelor’s degrees

• 675,000 low-income residents have access to health care through the Healthy Michigan Plan, which is available through the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act

• Early/Middle College programs have grown significantly in Michigan, there’s now more than 117 offered statewide, increasing the number of opportunities for high schoolers to earn college credits early

• The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) prison population fell below 40,000 last fall for the first time since 1993. Snyder points to successful rehabilitation and re-entry programs such as the Vocational Village at prisons in both Ionia and Jackson.

Snyder talked about these programs and many others that are working to create opportunities and growth in Michigan and how far we have come in the last several years by pushing for further investments in our state.

“How do we make it so future generations are better off, not worse off?” Snyder said. “We should look at all our action in Lansing to make sure we are adding to the lives of future generations as opposed to adding to their debts.”

In education, Snyder said he plans to request the largest per pupil funding increase in the last 15 years once he unveils his proposed 2018-2019 fiscal budget in the coming weeks.

Snyder also plans to roll out a new initiative for talent next month, while details are limited, he said it will be aimed at preparing Michigan students for the future and engaging public-private partnerships.

Beginning today through Friday, the governor’s office will also announce a new environmental or infrastructure initiative each day. Snyder said these will include plans around the following areas: rural broadband access; the Clean Michigan initiative; recycling; battling invasive species such as Asian Carp and water infrastructure.

Following the governor’s address, Gilda Jacobs, president and CEO, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) applauded Snyder for his stance against further tax cuts to assure funding to protect programs and services that are helping Michigan families and encouraging increased investments in Michigan. However, Jacobs said the Legislature needs to align to ensure this positive momentum for Michigan continues.

“Some elected officials are talking about wanting to cut taxes even more with a state income tax roll back, further hampering our essential state services,” Jacobs said. “And our state could be further compromised by the new federal tax plan and impending changes to the Healthy Michigan Plan and federal safety net programs state residents and the state budget depend on.”

Snyder is expected to share his proposed state budget in the coming weeks.

Want more?

As we discuss challenges and opportunities in education, there’s still time to sign up to join the P-20 Education Affinity Group for their convening around 3^rd grade reading success in Lansing on February 6.

The Green and Blue Network is hosting an event February 23^rd to discuss Line 5 as a Case Study: How Can Foundations Grant for Controversial Issues?