Funding, workforce development, staffing issues, physical and mental health, postsecondary affordability, and learning recovery were top issues in governors’ State of the State Addresses this year, according to an analysis by the Education Commission of the States.
- Thirty-six governors mentioned the unprecedented levels of school funding: Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (R) celebrated having grown K-12 public school investments by $1.6 billion and Delaware Governor John Carney (D) commemorated a $300 million commitment to new school construction.
- Seventeen governors covered learning loss: U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. (D) dedicated $1.5 million to support community foundations working with students during the summer and after school and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey (R) announced this year’s summer camp will focus on recovering time in the areas of math, reading, and civics.
- Nineteen governors called for improved health and wellness services at schools: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) addressed how in-person learning positively impacts most students’ mental and social development.
- Twenty-two governors discussed how education has been impacted by staff shortages: New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (R) touted giving teachers raises.
- Nineteen governors want to make post-secondary education more affordable for their states: South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R) noted the freeze on in-state tuition at public colleges and New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced an expansion of the state’s tuition assistance eligibility to include part-time students.
Nearly all governors of the 55 states, commonwealths, and territories deliver an annual State of the State address. So far this year, 47 governors have delivered their addresses.
