The January 2026 Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference confirmed that Michigan’s current spending trajectory is unsustainable. State fiscal experts lowered revenue projections by $779 million for the current budget year and by roughly $1.1 billion for the upcoming fiscal year when compared with estimates approved in May 2025.

State and economic leaders meet at least twice each year, in January and May, to review economic conditions and update revenue estimates.

Michigan’s finances and overall economic direction continue to move in the wrong direction. The state is facing an affordability crisis, with inflation, wages and population growth lagging well behind national averages.

Government must become more efficient and prioritize what residents truly need, like safer communities and an education system that improves student outcomes.

On Feb. 25 at 7 p.m., Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her final State of the State address — marking her eighth and final year in office.

Michiganders will hear the governor’s upcoming year’s priorities and be given the opportunity to reflect on her record after nearly a decade under her leadership.

The Michigan Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation addressing the use of cellphones in schools to help students concentrate on learning in the classroom.

Multiple meta-analyses found that student smartphone use is associated with lower academic performance, including a review of 39 studies showing negative effects on grades and test scores and another meta-analysis of 45 studies confirming a statistically significant link between higher phone use and poorer academic outcomes.

Senate Bill 495 and House Bill 4141 would require public schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using smartphones during instructional time. The legislation includes provisions recognizing the need for parents and children to communicate during emergencies.

The bills also provide exemptions for medically necessary devices, phones covered in students’ individualized education plans and devices used for instructional purposes.

SB 495 and HB 4141 now head to the governor’s desk.

Michigan 211 is a free service that connects residents with local resources. As winter temperatures drop to dangerous levels, trained specialists help individuals find assistance tailored to their needs. The website provides information on food pantries, local warming centers, and help with housing or utility bills.

Michigan 211 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To find help:

The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give blood. Severe weather and widespread influenza led to the cancellation of about 400 blood drives nationwide last month, including 12 in Michigan.

Nearly one in seven people who enter a hospital in the U.S. will need blood. To meet that demand, about 6.8 million blood donations are required each year.

In Michigan, individuals as young as 16 may donate blood with parental consent. Information on donation locations is available by calling 800-RED-CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.