State of the States: We’ve Analyzed All Speeches, YTD

“Beginning next school year, these ESAs will give more Alabama families greater flexibility in choosing an education that suits their child’s individual needs. Importantly, we are funding students, not systems.”

Gov. Ivey’s address celebrated Alabama’s K-12 achievements, highlighting NAEP results that showed growth in math and consistency in reading. She emphasized the importance of literacy and the Literacy Act, which saw its first year of full-implementation in 2024, as well as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Alabama’s Numeracy Act also delivered promising results, with the state continuing to work toward full implementation of math coaches in schools. The Turnaround Schools initiative, aimed at improving low-performing schools, also received Gov. Ivey’s recognition.

Gov. Ivey pledged to sign two pieces of legislation introduced to the legislature: a parental leave bill for state workers and teachers, and phone ban bill that includes social media and internet safety education provisions. She also has pledged to expand the state’s new Education Savings Account program to be universally eligible, which has already seen 18,000 applicants from every AL county for the 2025-26 school year.

Go deeper:

• Alabama retains fewer than 1% of third graders under Literacy Act [Alabama Daily News]
• Nation’s report card shows gains for Alabama [Alabama Daily News]
• ESA programs getting underway in Alabama, Louisiana [K-12 Dive]

“So let’s put our kids first again and provide the certainty they and our schools need. Let’s address the Aggregate Expenditure Limit to make sure schools stay open … Let’s pass a Prop 123 extension to fund our schools without raising taxes.”

Gov. Hobbs elevated education as a top priority for the state and the importance that young Arizonans are supported. She called for further investments in child care and housing to improve the lives of young people. More specifically, Hobbs plans to renew prop 123 — passed in 2016 and set to expire — which provides critical funding to public schools and teachers without raising taxes. She noted she will also address aggregate expenditure limits to ensure schools in Arizona remain open. 

Gov. Hobbs shared her frustration with current ESA programs that are not held accountable and as a result cost taxpayers $1 billion annually. She plans to implement guardrails, including income caps and further transparency, to protect against fraud, waste, and abuse. Additionally, Governor Hobbs plans to invest in smaller class sizes and adequate classroom tools so that Arizona can preserve their high quality education as a key to opportunity, security, and freedom.

Go deeper:

Arizona’s ‘universal’ education savings account program has become a handout to the wealthy [Brookings Institute]

Do ESA awards benefit students from wealthier areas of Arizona? [ABC15]

Negotiations are underway at the Arizona Capitol to renew school funding boost [KJZZ Phoenix]

“Education, cost-of-living, public safety. Those are the priorities that have defined the first two years of my Administration, and with your help, those are the priorities that will define the next two.”

Education was a key focus during Gov. Sanders’ 2025 State of the State Address. She began by praising past achievements, like the success of the LEARNS Act, which revamped many aspects of Arkansas K-12 education. Now, Gov. Sanders is shifting her attention to the higher education system, announcing Arkansas ACCESS.

The plan outlines her higher education priorities, such as lowering costs by funding college credits in high school and expanding scholarships for associate’s degrees and non-degree credentials. She also proposed revamping the funding model to allocate state dollars for alternative degrees. Additionally, she proposed the development of a streamlined, low-cost college application for state-supported colleges or universities. She also stated that she would make it so any professor who “indoctrinates” students can face termination.

Cell phones and mental health were another key priority, pointing to unrestricted phone access and social media as a cause for the rising mental health problems among youth. Gov. Sanders plans to expand the phone-free school pilot to a statewide bell-to-bell ban, strengthen the enforceability of the Social Media Safety Act, and support lawsuits against big tech under state law.

Additionally, she announced plans to make school breakfast in Arkansas completely free and legislation to be introduced — the Buy Local Act — to encourage schools to purchase food in-state.

Go deeper:

SESSION SNAPSHOT: Arkansas lawmakers commence 2025 legislative session [Arkansas Advocate]

Arkansas pilot program tests school cellphone ban to aid students’ mental health [ABC News]

Arkansas LEARNS Act: A Deep Dive with Secretary Jacob Oliva [Arkansas Money and Politics]

“Parents and students shouldn’t be put on a waiting list to attend the school of their choice. And yet, every year, there are students on waiting lists trying to get into the school of their choice.”

Education was not the primary focus of Gov. Dunleavy’s state of the state address, but he did share updates on the state’s achievements in early literacy and charter school performance. 

He celebrated the Alaska READS Act that passed 3 years ago, praising the state’s outpaced growth in reading for grades K-2. He also emphasized the state’s charter school performance, and pledged to continue supporting parents’ right to choose the schools that are best for their children. He urged the legislature to expand school choice options and charter school innovation, citing long wait lists for certain schools. 

His primary focus in this address was Alaska’s economy and natural resources.

Go deeper:

Sitka’s elementary schools made the Alaska Reads Act work last year. Now they’d like the funding to keep it working [Raven Radio Foundation]

Alaska Realizes Boost in Early Literacy Following Alaska Reads Act Implementation [Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy]

6 things to know about Alaska charter schools and why they’re No. 1 in the nation [Alaska Public Media]

“We have a responsibility to guarantee every Colorado student has access to a quality education. This requires creating innovative pathways for students and schools to succeed; no excuses, no exceptions.”

Gov. Polis’ speech focused on the state’s dedication to creating effective systems across the education spectrum, from early childhood and K-12 to higher education and workforce readiness The governor also highlighted his work as the Chair of the National Governors Association, which focuses on ensuring learners develop the skills and talents necessary to be successful in today and tomorrow’s job market.

Gov. Polis celebrated the state’s commitment to early childhood education through the Universal Preschool Program, which saved its first class of families an average of $6,100 and boosted the state to 7th in the nation for preschool enrollment. Additionally, the governor highlighted the economic benefits of UPK, sharing that parents who enroll their kids in universal preschool earn 20% more on average than parents without access to universal preschool.

Gov. Polis also highlighted recent state efforts to improve the school finance formula to focus on “students rather than systems,” and better support schools that serve English Language Learners and economically disadvantaged students. 

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of supporting innovative educational experiences for students across the state to increase academic achievement. He expressed concerns about “education deserts,” where more than 90% of students are below grade level in reading and math, and called for more to be done to make high achievement the norm for district schools, innovative schools, and charter schools alike.

Go deeper:

Here’s how Colorado’s doing in bid to meet key early childhood goals [Chalkbeat Colorado]

Gov. Polis’ seventh State of the State address [Colorado Sun]

Governor’s Office Submits Supplemental and Budget Amendment Requests to JBC [Colorado.gov]

“Our debt-free community college program makes access easier, but innovation is overdue. We must develop a balance between traditional classroom experience, and more dual enrollment, stackable credentials, and flexible, online classes.”

Gov. Lamont spoke to his state plan focusing on affordability, workforce development, and student mental health. He pledges budget increases in the K-12 funding formula, facilitating parental control over media access, and expanding apprenticeship and internship programs. Additionally, the governor called for slowing tuition increases at Connecticut’s higher education institutions.

Gov. Lamont highlighted the state’s investment in K-12 and higher education. He celebrated the state’s effort in supporting student wellbeing with increases in the number of counselors in schools, and robust attendance interventions. 

Go deeper:

CT sees improvements in math, science, chronic absenteeism rate [CT Mirror]

Mixed Reviews for CT Gov. Ned Lamont’s State of the State speech [CT Insider]

“We chose freedom over fear; education over indoctrination; law and order over rioting and disorder. We are proud of our state’s accomplishments while we recognize the work that lies ahead. Our rudder is set. Our compass is in hand. True North is our destination.”

During Florida’s 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Ron DeSantis celebrated achievements that have made the state #1 in American education for the past two years (citing US News & World Report rankings: #10 in K-12 and #1 in Higher Education).

He praised achievements to protect teacher welfare, referencing the Teachers’ Bill of Rights, protections against coerced union dues, and a record $4.6 billion to raise teacher salaries. Additionally, Gov. DeSantis recommended a further increase in teacher salaries and the continuation of the state’s Civics Bonus program, which gives a $3,000 bonus to all teachers who complete a civics seal of excellence training course.

Gains made in school choice were also highlighted during the address, celebrating the state’s universal school choice program and its status as the first state to implement such a model.

Gov. DeSantis also noted the many strides that Florida’s higher education system has made in removing DEI, being the first state to eliminate it from the system. Additionally, he plans to continue holding the line on tuition by continuing efforts to maintain the lowest in-state tuition in America.

Go deeper:

RECAP: Highlights from the Florida Legislature’s opening day, DeSantis’ State of the State [Tallahassee Democrat]

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces School Choice Success [Executive Office of the Governor of Florida]

DeSantis education budget targets teacher pay and maintains low tuition [Florida Phoenix}

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill banning DEI initiatives in public colleges [NPR]

“Whether it’s this legislative session, or a second one later this year, we will achieve meaningful, impactful tort reform. Because if we take seriously our mission to keep Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family for the next generation, we have to get off the sidelines and get to work!“

From hurricane relief, lowered tax rate initiatives, and business tort reform, a wide range of topics were covered during Gov. Kemp’s 2025 State of the State Address.

On education, Gov. Kemp highlighted his push to improve school safety, driven by the tragic 2024 Apalachee High School shooting. Gov. Kemp has allocated $294 million for campus safety so far, and his budget proposal for the 2025 year includes a further $159 million to keep Georgia schools safe.

Gov. Kemp also announced his dedication to protecting children beyond the classroom with his public safety initiatives. He plans to continue funding law enforcement in the state, and his budget proposal includes just over $1.2 million to expand the gang and human trafficking prosecution units in the Attorney General’s Office. Additionally, First Lady Marty Kemp will spearhead the passage of her tenth human trafficking bill that will reinforce the GRACE Commission.

Go deeper:

Kemp signs trio of anti-trafficking bills aimed at supporting survivors [Savannah Now]

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s 2025 State of the State address, annotated [WABE]

Gov. Kemp unveils comprehensive plan to enhance K-12 education, school safety in Georgia [Fox 5 Atlanta]

“In the budget for the next two years, in addition to the global settlement, we have requested over $350 million to continue investing in Maui’s recovery efforts, to fund schools, and to improve statewide wildfire prevention and disaster response.”

Gov. Josh Green’s address did not delve deeply into education, but he did discuss postsecondary education, school safety, and education accessibility. The Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program (HELP) was launched last year as an initiative to provide educational loan repayments for healthcare providers, bolstering both Hawaiian health care and career pathways. 

Active shooter training was also provided in public and charter schools statewide to remedy high rates of gun violence. Gov. Greene has championed the state’s work to improve access to early education and broadband technology across the archipelago. Moving forward, he plans to continue to prioritize rebuilding schools damaged by the 2023 Maui forest fires and to find ways to increase funding for schools. 

Go deeper:

Hawaii DOE Continues Its Search For An Elementary School Campus In Lahaina [Honolulu Civil Beat]

Kids May Lose After-School Options Under Hawaii’s DOE Budget Cuts [Honolulu Civil Beat]

“Adequately funding public schools is both our constitutional and our moral obligation, and we will not abandon that obligation.”

Gov. Little highlighted the significant increase (80%) in state education funding since taking office and the robust, continuing support for charter schools in the state. 

The governor’s state plan includes investments of more than $150 million in K-12 public schools to address gaps in rural school facilities, mental health, school safety, and literacy.

He referenced the importance of school choice options for families alongside accountability. He promised increased funding for choice programs and specifically for students with disabilities. 

Go deeper:

Special education departments face parent complaints, staff shortages and budget gaps [ID ED News]

Critchfield echoes governor on private school choice: Spending must be accountable [ID ED News]

Gov. Little’s ‘Keeping Promises’ plan aims to keep Idaho strong [KTVB 7]

“While this is a year for tightening our belts, we’ve made real progress toward giving every Illinois child the support they need to live a healthy, prosperous life. Let’s not lose that forward momentum.”

In his address, Gov. J.B. Pritzker highlighted the importance of a balanced budget as 2026 forecasts show flat growth. Yet, despite these constraints, funding education continues to be a priority, and one that he claims will be funded fully.

One key area of continued investment is the state’s Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) program, which directs targeted resources to underfunded schools. He praised its previous success in improving reading and math scores, as well as increasing high school graduation rates.

Additionally, Gov. Pritzker also announced plans for legislation requiring all school districts in Illinois to adopt a cell phone policy that bans the use of phones during classroom instruction.

Turning to higher education, Gov. Pritzker proposed the Public University Direct Admission Program Act, which would allow students to determine their eligibility for admission to state universities before applying—eliminating uncertainty and application fees. Additionally, he introduced a plan to permit community colleges to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees in high-demand fields such as nursing, advanced manufacturing, and early childhood education in order to build flexible and affordable pathways for all students.

Go deeper:

• Why Illinois still isn’t fully funding its schools: Breaking down the ‘evidence-based formula’ [Chicago Sun Times]
• Illinois’ budget must reflect reality, Pritzker says in his State of the State address [CI Proud]
• Illinois’ 8th Grade Students Outperform National Averages in Both Reading and Math on ‘The Nation’s Report Card’ [Illinois Board of Education]

“Let’s put parents in the driver’s seat and kids first with universal school choice. My budget proposal has the plan to get it done. And with your help, we’ll win this historic victory for Hoosier parents and kids.”

Gov. Mike Braun addressed reading gains and school choice in his State of the State. He proudly acknowledged the tremendous literacy gains in his state, which went from the “middle of the pack” to sixth in reading on NAEP. 

The bulk of Gov. Braun’s education points were focused on funds and legislation – he announced that his upcoming budget proposal will broadly prioritize school choice. Gov. Braun also seeks to improve teacher pay and the new Senate Bill 146 would create a $5,000 salary increase for public school teachers. Additionally, he reminded citizens of the importance of safety in schools by referencing the introduction of House Bill 1637, calling for a state Office of School Safety.

Braun concluded by mentioning partnerships with workforce programs, giving students the opportunity to experience the workforce and even earn while in school. He shouted out the 4T Academy in southern Indiana, a program which gives students the opportunity to seamlessly begin careers in manufacturing at Toyota during their time in high school. 

Gov. Braun presents 2025-27 biennial budget proposal [FOX59]

NAEP scores: How did Indiana 4th and 8th graders do on ‘the nation’s report card’ in 2024? [Chalkbeat Indiana]

2024 State Graduation Rate Highest on Record [In.gov]

“If you’re like me, every legislative session begins with a strong sense of anticipation. After all, our positions of public trust mean we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Iowans. And that starts with making sure every child has access to a quality education.”

Education was a key focus during Gov. Reynolds’ 2025 Condition of the State address. Childcare is a top priority, with a number of different initiatives announced. Gov. Reynolds called for the permanent implementation of the Child Care Assistance Pilot Program, which provides free childcare to childcare workers. To support this initiative, Iowa will launch a statewide solutions fund to which individuals or businesses can donate to enhance wages in the childcare workforce. Gov. Reynolds also announced the establishment of an Early Childhood “Continuum of Care” program that will provide three-year grants for preschool programs and childcare providers that integrate their services.

Following last year’s investments to improve reading proficiency, Gov. Reynolds announced a new priority: improving math foundational skills. Her proposed bill would address early identification and targeted support for struggling learners while strengthening math instruction by equipping teachers with professional development and training.

Additionally, Gov. Reynolds referenced the challenge of cell phone usage in schools and proposed legislation to “keep instructional time free from digital distractions.”

Go deeper:

Gov. Kim Reynolds says she plans to propose a bill banning cellphones in Iowa classrooms [Des Moines Register]

Reynolds awards $14M in grants to expand child care options [QCBJ]

Iowa student proficiency rises in English, shows no ‘meaningful progress’ in math [Iowa Capital Dispatch]

“Prioritizing our public schools means investing in them. Protecting them. Always fighting to make them better. And never, ever taking taxpayer dollars from our public schools to give to private schools.”

In her State of the State address this week, Gov. Kelly announced several key priorities for education in Kansas. She began with childcare, proposing her goal to create more childcare added capacity in the next two years than in the past 15 years. She also announced the creation of the Office of Early Childhood, consolidating multiple offices across four agencies into one office to improve efficiency. 

Gov. Kelly also spoke about the public school system, where she stated her strong opposition to diverting taxpayer dollars from public schools to private schools and rejected any proposed tax cuts that would reduce school funding. Additionally, she praised last year’s Blueprint for Literacy initiative, a program ensuring teachers have the training and the tools they need to bring 90 percent of students to the reading benchmark by 2033.

She also addressed school nutrition, announcing that this year’s budget proposal will provide free school lunches to over 35,000 Kansas students, many of them in rural areas. 

Additionally, Gov. Kelly shared the goal for all Kansas students to have access to apprenticeships, internships, earn industry certifications, and two- and four-year degrees to strengthen Kansas’ economy and bolster partnership with the business community.

Go deeper:

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly presents new state budget to Republican-led House, Senate [Kansas Reflector]

Water, education, child care: Kansas governor focuses on the future in state address [KCUR]

Emerging blueprint spells out details of Kansas initiative to improve literacy instruction [Kansas Reflector]

“With so many new job opportunities, we must make sure all of our children are getting the very best education. We all want a New Kentucky Home where our kids and grandkids never feel they have to leave, because every opportunity is right here.”

Gov. Beshear celebrated the many achievements for Kentuckians and the ways the state is leading the nation, including in increasing new jobs and bringing in private sector investment. 

For education, Gov. Beshear reiterated his desire to bring universal pre-K to all four year olds in Kentucky. He called for the state to put the voucher debate behind them, as the proposed amendment failed in every county. He also highlighted the strength of Kentucky’s career and technical education (CTE) programs and the opportunities to expand and further connect private employers to support those efforts. 

Go deeper:

State Sen. Carroll introduces bill investing in pre-K [Spectrum News]

‘New Kentucky Home’ | Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear gives 2025 State of the Commonwealth address [WHAS 11]

Gov. Beshear Secures Another Record-Breaking Year for Economic Growth [KY.gov]

Shelby County to get $700M battery facility, largest project in county history [Courier Journal]

“We… enhanced educational opportunities by establishing education savings accounts, empowering families to select the learning environment that best suits their needs and values.”

During his 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Landry focused on a new vision for Louisiana success that highlights school choice efforts and growing NAEP scores. 

Gov. Landry emphasized the success of the new Louisiana education scholarship account (ESA) program known as the LA Gator Scholarship Program, which allows families to send use state-funded accounts for school tuition and fees, tutoring, and other educational related services and costs. The state’s Gator Scholarship Program has received interest from 35,000 families. 

A point of pride for Gov. Landry was being able to highlight significant NAEP growth in the state. He mentioned that Louisiana rose from 49th to 32nd nationally in the Nation’s Report Card, as well as its position in the top five for 4th grade math growth.

On the topic of educator support, Gov. Landry expressed his dismay in the legislature’s failure to pass Amendment 2, which would have proposed lessened teacher retirement debt and permanent pay raises. To counter his disappointment, Gov. Landry highlighted the launch of the “Let the Teacher Teach” program to allow for teachers to focus more on their curricula with fewer external burdens. 

Go deeper: 

Governor Landry Signs “Dream Big” Education Plan into Law [LA Office of the Governor]

Louisiana Students Achieve Their Highest National Rankings on the Nation’s Report Card [Louisiana Department of Education]

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry addresses teachers after failed amendment [12WBoy]

“My budget includes an additional $156 million to continue this commitment, investing directly in our schools, teachers, staff, and students – and preventing the entire cost of public education from being passed onto the property taxpayers.”

Gov. Janet Mills’ State of the Budget address focused (unsurprisingly) on Maine’s budget proposal, with particular emphasis on youth behavioral health and higher education affordability. When explaining the leveling of the state’s budget after years of budget surplus, she highlighted the cost of maintaining the state’s share of K-12 funding and paying off the teachers’ retirement fund debt, totaling $470 million over the next two years. Gov. Mills celebrated prior investments in the funding formula, universal free meals for students, increased CTE funding by over $20 million, and increased youth participation in MaineCare.

Although child care stipends and Head Start funding are being scaled back, some education programs are receiving major investments in the coming year. Gov. Mills called for $6 million dedicated to expanding the state’s free meal program, as well as setting aside $41 million for a 4% increase in public higher education funding to keep college affordable. She is also asking for the state’s two-year-free community college program to be made permanent. 

Youth mental health is also a major focus of her administration. She celebrated the state’s first fully-funded residential psychiatric treatment facility for youth, and proposed more funding for the screening and treatment of children with mental health symptoms. 

Go deeper:

Landmark agreement brings hope for children’s mental health services in Maine [Bangor Daily News]

Mainers object to proposed program cuts ahead of governor’s budget address [Maine Morning Star]

Maine higher education leaders praise governor’s proposed budget [Portland Press Herald]

“This year, we are taking aim at the single largest barrier to achievement in our schools: And that’s the teacher shortage. We are tens of thousands of licensed teachers short from where we need to be. That is unacceptable.”

While Gov. Moore’s primary focus during his address was not education, his speech touched on school funding, career readiness, CTE, and the educator workforce. Recruiting teachers is his administration’s education focus this year, as he seeks legislative authority to launch a national campaign to recruit educators to Maryland. He also announced plans to build a debt-free path to teaching. He celebrated the $550 million increase in K-12 funding for this fiscal year, a historic investment for Maryland that will improve teacher recruitment and retention.

He highlighted the state’s continued investments in child care despite a budget deficit, along with higher education and research institutions/labs. He celebrated a new era of Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the state’s plan for transforming its public education and workforce readiness, acknowledging past challenges in its implementation; affirming his dedication to the plan, and intention to honor the state’s pledge of having 5,000 new apprenticeships and at least 5 additional public agencies that offer registered apprenticeships. 

Go deeper:

‘Learn and earn’: Maryland is betting big on apprenticeships [The Baltimore Banner]

Gov. Moore has a plan to recruit more Maryland teachers. Is it enough? [The Baltimore Banner]

From Medicaid to universal pre-K to capital gains: How Maryland leaders want to close deficit [WYPR]

“We have the best schools in the country, it’s a core value and also one of our competitive advantages. So I am committed, and I believe we all must be committed, to excellence for every student. We’re number one in education and we are going to stay that way”

Gov. Maura Healey highlighted K-12 education and child care as key priorities for her administration in the coming year, including her administration’s increase of the Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit to $440 for 2024. Gov. Healey made cursory mentions of both free breakfast and lunch for all students in Massachusetts schools and free community college, though she did not return to the topics later in the speech.

Gov. Healey spoke about the ballot initiative passed in November 2024 that removed Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) passage from the state’s high school graduation requirements, saying that she respected the decision of voters but the removal of the requirement creates an opportunity and responsibility to ensure that every student graduates set up for success. She announced a new statewide Graduation Requirements Council that will develop recommendations for high school graduation in Massachusetts.

Gov. Healey detailed the story of Harris, a Massachusetts high school graduate who participated in one of Massachusetts’ Innovation Career Pathways programs, allowing him to gain early exposure to computer science and workforce opportunities. Remarking that “high school is not what it used to be, nor should it be,” Gov. Healey lauded the Innovation Career Pathways, saying that new high school standards would be tied to opportunities like early college and job training programs.

Gov. Healey also spoke about student mental health, noting that Massachusetts has opened 31 community behavioral health centers across the state providing 24 hour care that have helped 30,000 young people so far. She said she wanted to ensure that Massachusetts is funding behavioral health support and growing that support in schools across the state.

Go deeper:

• Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit [Mass.gov]
• Mass. Question 2 result: MCAS exam no longer required for diplomas [Axios Boston]
• Innovation Career Pathways – College, Career and Technical Education [MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education]

“But ultimately, the “state of the state” isn’t about lines on a chart or metrics on a spreadsheet. It’s about how people feel and think about Michigan. Tonight, we’ll center their stories and recommit ourselves to building a Michigan we can all be proud to call home.”

In this year’s 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted a number of Michigan’s recent advancements in education. The state has implemented free breakfast and lunch statewide, universal pre-K, expanded childcare, closed funding gaps, raised teacher pay, and more. To continue these state strides, she announced several key initiatives. 

For K-12 education, the first major priority Gov. Whitmer discussed the state’s literacy crisis. She praised last year’s legislation on the science of reading legislation and early screening initiatives, which require schools to test for dyslexia to provide targeted support at an early stage. She also introduced the centerpiece of her education budget: the Students, Metrics, and Results with Transparency (SMART) plan. This initiative focuses on directing targeted investments to underperforming schools, streamlining funding sources, and enhancing transparency to keep parents informed about student performance. 

Career and Technical Education also received focus during Gov. Whitmer’s speech, as she praised the recent expansion of state programs and pledged to make the largest investment in career and technical education in Michigan’s history as part of this year’s budget.

For higher education, Gov. Whitmer highlighted the success of initiatives such as Michigan Reconnect, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and the Community College Guarantee. Looking ahead, she turned her attention to young men, announcing plans to sign an executive directive aimed at increasing higher education and skills training enrollment among young men, where the nation has seen the steepest declines.

Additional priorities include legislation to limit phone use in classrooms, further expansion of childcare access, and more strict vaping/e-cigarette regulations.

Go deeper:

• Whitmer pitches education ‘transparency’ plan as Michigan test scores lag [Bridge Michigan]
• Science of reading bills set to become law in Michigan after long struggle [Chalkbeat Detroit]
• Rep. Bohnak introduces plan to expand CTE programming [Michigan House Republicans]
• Costs, jobs, results: Photo, video highlights from Whitmer’s State of the State address [M Live]

America’s Young Men Are Falling Even Further Behind [The Wall Street Journal]

“For so long, our teachers and our kids have been told they are last. 50th. At the bottom. Y’all, it’s just not true. Mississippi is charging to the front of the pack with our education system and daring other states to keep up!”

In his 2025 State of the State address, Governor Tate Reeves praised Mississppi’s progress in job creation, investments, and economic advancement over the years. He reiterated continued support for building the workforce and higher education.

Gov. Reeves urged policymakers to consider innovative approaches to improve the return on investment for the hundreds of millions of dollars put in colleges and universities – returns that should appear in the wages for workers. He advocated for prioritizing investments in reinforcing degrees that lead to long-term prosperity and stability; a shift away from liberal arts education in favor of programs that produce graduates in business, science, engineering, and technology.

Additionally, after praising the state’s progress in recently released NAEP scores, Gov. Reeves proposed plans for a new accountability system in Mississippi in his most recent budget recommendations, stating, “It is wrong that schools can be awarded with an ‘A’ or ‘B’ rating when more than 70 percent of their students aren’t proficient in reading.” The plan would shift how schools are graded in the state to place a greater weight on proficiency and less weight on growth in academic achievements. 

Go deeper:

Gov. Tate Reeves delivers State of the State Address [WLBT3]

Report: Mississippi 4th graders lead America in educational progress [SuperTalk Mississppi Media]

“I want to be clear that I am a proud supporter of education in all its forms—public schools, private schools, charter schools—as long as Missouri’s children are getting a quality education. Throwing more money at the problem is not the solution. We have invested over $4 billion in K-12 education and we still aren’t seeing acceptable results across the state.”

Education and safety were the key themes of the newly inaugurated Gov. Kehoe’s address. He announced new executive orders focusing on childcare, public safety, and career and technical education programs/infrastructure, in addition to pledging support for school choice, rural districts, and teachers.

Early childhood education has Gov. Kehoe’s attention, with an executive order demanding a rewrite of current child care regulation to make the system more accessible, as well as including $10 million in funding for child care grant funds. 

Gov. Kehoe also pledged an administrative focus on career readiness, with the governor’s Workforce of the Future Challenge putting a plan in place for industry, K-12, and higher ed collaboration to improve the state’s CTE programs. This is in addition to $15 million in new funding to address the infrastructure and operational needs of CTE centers, $5 million more annually for operational costs, and a $1 million increase in funding for high school career counseling.

Gov. Kehoe announced multiple proposed expenditures in the upcoming fiscal year, including a $200 million increase in the state funding formula for schools, over $370 million for school transportation, $33 million in raising teacher salaries, $30 million for small districts, and $50 million in general revenue for the state’s ESA program.

Go deeper:

• Gov. Mike Kehoe dips deeply into surplus as Missouri budget grows to nearly $54 billion [Missouri Independent]

• Press Release: New Analysis Reveals Urgent Need to Address Missouri’s Child Care Deserts [Missouri Times]

“Recruiting and retaining the best teachers in our classrooms will prepare young Montanans for the future, but academic success requires our students to be focused when they’re in the classroom.”

Montana’s K-12 education budget was a key focus of Governor Gianforte’s State of the State address. He celebrated the state’s past investments in students and teachers, including the TEACH Act to increase entry level teacher pay and the development of the Big Sky Scholarship Program for K-12 private/alternative education funding. His proposed budget for the upcoming year includes an increase of $6 million for the Big Sky Scholarship Program, increases for the state’s online instructional platform Digital Academy, and an historic investment of $100 million to raise teacher pay in the state, particularly for early-career educators. Additionally, Gov. Gianforte called for expansion and investment of CTE and STEM programs to ensure all students have access to relevant, innovative education.

Gov. Gianforte paid particular attention to the harm that cell phones and social media have on Montana’s youth, announcing $1 million of one-time-only incentive funding for school districts to adopt phone-free policies statewide. Beyond school walls, he pledged to continue expanding government and parental oversight on minor social media access and privacy, voicing his support for actions that support parental consent for minor social media accounts, banning the collection and sale of minor personal information, enstating a default minor privacy setting, and developing an overnight social media curfew.

Go deeper: 

Starting teacher pay $9K higher in Montana than national report, state says [Daily Montana]

Teacher pay, school funding and math skills top on Montana lawmakers’ priority list [Montana Free Press]

Montana Taxpayers Eligible for Education Donation Credit [Flathead Beacon]

“We protect kids from tobacco, alcohol, tattoos under certain ages, and even restrict the age when kids can work—there’s no reason why we should not protect their mental health from the damage caused by social media, too.”

Governor Jim Pillen outlined the state’s key priorities for education this upcoming year, including a focus on updating the school funding formula and better protecting students from the dangers of social media.

Gov. Pillen criticized the state’s current school finance formula, which provided state aid to only 60 school districts in 2024, compared to 226 school districts 25 years ago. He announced that he will establish a commission of experts to recommend a new school funding model, and called on the state legislature to take action. In combination with the new formula, Gov. Pillen celebrated the introduction of a bill to increase foundational aid per student across the state.

Gov. Pillen also expressed the state’s focus on protecting kids from the harmful effects of social media and online bullying. He celebrated the introduction of a package of bills focused on protecting children from the harms of social media, banning cell phones in classrooms, and fixing child pornography laws to include AI-generated images.

Go deeper:

Gov. Pillen proposes his answer to $432 million projected budget shortfall [Nebraska Examiner]

“They asked us to step up….to reempower teachers…. and to give students the reinforcement they needed to grow academically while also learning the value of respect and responsibility.”

Gov. Lombardo outlined a comprehensive plan to advance education reform in Nevada, focusing on making schools safer, more accessible, and better equipped to prepare students for success. Following a historic investment of over $2 billion in public education during the previous budget cycle, Lombardo is now prioritizing implementation strategies to ensure students — especially those learning English, at-risk, and exceptional talents — graduate with the values, knowledge, and skills needed to thrive.

Statewide school choice is a top priority and Gov. Lombardo emphasized his commitment to improving transportation networks, removing barriers that prevent students from attending schools beyond their neighborhoods, and reforming charter school enrollment policies. Aligned with the state’s goals to empower parents, increase school accountability, and provide more options for families.

To strengthen the teaching workforce, Lombardo proposed initiatives to support professional growth and improve compensation. He plans to pass an executive budget that will make teacher pay raises permanent and provide pay raises to all charter school teachers. Additionally, the newly established Excellence in Education Fund will reward Nevada’s top-performing teachers and administrators, recognizing their contributions to student success. 

The state is also supporting the students most in need with additional supports for English Language Learners and marginalized groups by allocating increased state funding to address their unique needs. He also identified early literacy as a critical area for improvement, describing it as a significant barrier to long-term student achievement. Additionally, Gov. Lombardo cited his previous commitments to state-funded pre-k and his plans to dedicate targeted resources to tackle literacy inequities across Nevada.

Go deeper:

OPINION: Nevada must double literacy rates by 2030 [The Nevada Independent]

Extra funding to boost CCSD teacher pay raises approved [The Nevada News]

What are school vouchers and should they be expanded in Nevada? [NPR]

“But when talking about the future of our families we must always prioritize our most precious asset of all: our children. After all, if you want to measure the worth of a society look to how it cares for its kids.”

New Jersey’s investments in education, most recently including a fully state-funded school funding formula, took center stage at Gov. Murphy’s address. He also highlighted the state’s historic investments in college scholarships and Strategic Innovation Centers at higher education institutions, university hubs that connect students, industry leaders, and innovators to continue modernizing technology.

He celebrated New Jersey’s successes in expanding Universal Pre-K, pledging to continue expanding full day kindergarten to meet the needs of every NJ community. His administration is also intending to continue the success of phone bans by enacting legislation that directs districts to adopt phone-free classroom policies. 

Go deeper:

Parents react to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s plan to ban cellphones from classrooms [CBS News] 

Rutgers-Newark and Fiserv Celebrate Opening of Inclusive Innovation Hub to Drive Diversity in Fintech Industry [Rutgers Newark]

Murphy wants to require free, full-day kindergarten in New Jersey [NorthJersey.com]

“The work we’re doing in education is shaping New Mexico’s tomorrow, and preparing our young people to one day establish stable and thriving families of their own. Free childcare. Free PreK. Free school meals. Free college. Child Tax Credits. Working Families Tax Credits.”

Gov. Grisham’s address emphasized safety and wellbeing in New Mexico, with special attention to its students. She highlighted past successes in ensuring students receive a quality education, such as New Mexico’s summer literacy program and near-universal pre-K for all families. This upcoming year, she has pledged to build upon these successes and continue funding programs that serve NM youth.

She announced her requests for $205 million for universal pre-K across the state and $50 million in annual investments to the Indian Education fund. Expanding the Science of Reading ISOR) based summer literacy programs that saw an 11% increase in attendee proficiency to year-round programs, as well as developing robust STEM/math programs, is another key goal for her administration. Although her 180-day school year was met with criticism last year, she has called upon the legislature again to fully-fund a 180-day school year.

Regarding student wellbeing, Gov. Grisham is focused on enshrining the Office of Special Education into law to ensure K-12 SPED students receive attention at a statewide standard. She also shared plans to propose cellphone bans in the classroom, noting safety guardrails for parents concerned with contacting their child.

Go deeper:

New Mexico’s free child care program is bringing relief that millions of U.S. families need [NBC News]

New Mexico lawmakers pushing education and housing bills this legislative session [KRQE News]

State Department Of Education Office Of Special Education Announce Release Of 2024-2027 State Plan [Los Alamos Reporter]

New Mexico provided free literacy lessons to nearly 10K kids this summer [Santa Fe New Mexican]

“We can’t talk about the future without talking about education. It is the great equalizer unlocking opportunity for all.”

In her address, Gov. Hochul emphasized the importance of education funding at all levels, ranging from cradle to higher education. She expressed that in order to fully invest in our citizens, we have to invest in universal childcare to ease the lives of new parents and set children up for success. Gov. Hochul plans to budget $110 million towards building new and renovating existing child care centers. 

On the K-12 side, Gov. Hochul called for every child to receive free breakfast and lunch at school. To demonstrate the gravity of those savings, she walked through a prospective calculation for a family with two young children and illustrated that her proposition will save families $1,600 a year.

Gov. Hochul also addressed higher education, proposing free community college for New Yorkers aged 25-55 who are entering “high-demand” fields such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Her promises demonstrate a commitment to enacting changes that benefit families with young children and allowing them to reach their full potential as young adults. 

Go deeper:

New York will find a path to universal child care, Hochul says [Times Union]

2025 State of the State Book [NY.gov]

New York governor pursues free community college program for adult students [Higher Ed Dive]

“I know that there is bipartisan support for these efforts. This is an area where we can work together. So let’s do it; let’s invest in our kids; and let’s pay our teachers a salary that shows how much we value them!”

During his 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Stein called for continued education investments, including through an increase in per-pupil funding for public schools.

With a goal of leading the nation in the number of skilled workers, Gov. Stein reiterated the importance of college and career readiness. He announced plans to double the number of apprentices over the next four years and expanded support for workforce development initiatives. This includes free community college for students pursuing certifications in high-demand fields, performance-based funding for community colleges through Propel NC, and the creation of a Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.

In regards to K-12, Gov. Stein identified several priorities: increasing starting teacher salaries the highest in the southeast, rewarding experienced teachers that stay in the workforce, and strengthening career pathways for educators. 

Gov. Stein called on lawmakers to act regarding extending the science of reading to middle school students, bringing free school breakfast statewide, providing students with support staff to improve mental health, and working towards cell phone-free classrooms.

Gov. Stein announced the creation of a bipartisan Task Force on Child Care and Early Education to find innovative solutions to mitigate North Carolina’s growing childcare crisis. 

School safety and improvement was also a key issue, proposing a $4 billion public school bond for school renovations, and calls to implement safety upgrades like cameras, fences around playgrounds, exterior locks, and fewer access points.

Go deeper:

Governor Stein Announces Members of Task Force for Child Care and Early Education [NC.gov]

Gov. Stein’s first budget proposal includes average 10.6% teacher raises, restores master’s pay [EdNC]

Gov. Stein focuses on Hurricane Helene recovery, education in State of State address [EdNC]

“We spend a lot of time talking about North Dakota’s natural resources. But we must never forget that our most important resource is right now sitting at a desk in classrooms all across the state.”

Gov. Armstrong’s speech focused on the importance of career and technical education (CTE), supporting K-12 school choice, and the value of North Dakota’s higher education institutions.

Gov. Armstrong’s talking points on education focused on upcoming changes to higher education in North Dakota. He pledged legislative discussions that focus less on closing underperforming campuses and more on ensuring institutions can make workforce-specific improvements. He also called for a budget increase to Challenge Grants scholarships to $50M, driving $150M of investment in higher education over the next two years. 

Go deeper:

Tenure under fire—again—in North Dakota [Inside Higher Ed]

North Dakota governor unveils bold property tax plan in first State of the State address [ND Monitor]

Embracing technical education: University System looks to expand CTE footprint [Minot Daily News]

“Our goal remains the same: To work each day so that every Ohioan has the tools to live up to their full potential and has the opportunities to live their version of the American dream. To do that, we must remove the barriers preventing Ohioans from entering the workforce. That means we must make sure all Ohioans receive a good education, starting with learning how to read.”

Gov. Mike DeWine began his 2025 State Address education priorities by highlighting the importance of reading and the success of the Science of Reading initiatives in improving reading scores after launching two years ago — an investment he’s called on lawmakers to continue. Gov. DeWine pledged continued investments in the ReadOhio Coaching Initiative and announced the Governor’s Science of Reading Recognition Program. He also shared that districts with low reading proficiency rates would be required to focus more funding on reading instruction, and celebrated the success of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which now delivers a free book each month to 70% of Ohio households with children under five.

Gov. DeWine named a number of K-12 initiatives, with proposed curriculum changes being a highlight. He praised previous state action around civics education, calling for developing a model on civics, social studies, American history, and Ohio history in elementary grades, and integrating with reading and writing subjects. 

Gov. DeWine proceeded to stress the importance of preparing students for life beyond high school. He called for more focus on learning practical life skills (ex. Drivers Ed) and continued investments in CTE education, and integrating career planning into existing high school graduation plans. Additional initiatives include establishing the Ohio Principal Apprenticeship Program and providing more sports opportunities through better funding for the building or renovation of ballparks and stadiums.

Building College Pathways for student success was also highlighted and he praised last year’s Governor’s Merit Scholarships and assured its funding would remain a top budget priority. Additionally, he aims to guarantee admission to state Ohio universities for high-performing students. The state budget also includes continued support for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant for affordability and will require each state institution of higher education to implement a work-based learning program.For early childhood support in education, DeWine praised the Childcare Choice Voucher Program and proposed a $1,000-per-child tax credit to help families manage expenses such as child care and health care.

Additionally, Gov. DeWine included plans for supporting Ohioans health and safety. To address physical health and disabilities, he announced four new initiatives:

• Statewide Cell Phone Bans: Gov. DeWine shared that he will eliminate cell phone use during school hours to support student mental wellness, eliminate distractions and improve learning environments. 
• OhioSEE program: Gov. DeWine expressed that the program guarantees K-3 students, including those in private and homeschool settings, receive vision screenings, follow-up eye exams, and glasses if needed.
• Children’s Dental Services Pilot Program: Gov. DeWine explained that the pilot program will deliver dental care to low-income families in underserved counties. 
• Expansion of school-based health clinics: Gov. DeWine referenced the ability to easily register new school-based health clinics across schools. 
• DeWine praised the work of the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities initiative and its work, like college and career plan counselors. Additionally, DeWine called for continued investments in local children’s services, OhioRise, and the planned creation of regional child wellness campuses, which provide safe, supportive environments for children when they cannot be with their families. 
• Go deeper:
• Governor’s Science of Reading Program honors 47 Ohio schools [Ohio.gov]
• Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine gives State of the State address [WKYC]
• Science of reading curriculum is now being taught in all Ohio school districts [Ohio Capital Journal]
• DeWine wants to use social studies to teach Ohio kids to read and write [Cleveland.com]

“If kids aren’t leaving high school college ready or career ready, we haven’t done our job.”

The education agenda outlined in Gov. Kevin Stitt’s state of the state address largely focused on school choice. Gov. Stitt promised to inject competition into the school system, ensuring parents could educate their children in ways that aligned with their values. Gov. Stitt highlighted the nation’s first ever religious charter school which re-introduced debate surrounding the separation of church and state, a case that is currently with the supreme. He also supported open transfer and tax credit policies that will afford parents increased freedom in choosing schools.

Gov. Stitt also emphasized his prioritization of career readiness, stating he would pass a bill to create more internship and apprenticeship opportunities, calling on businesses, schools, and universities to lead this charge. 

Additionally, he made mention of eliminating virtual learning to improve student attendance and making strides to eliminate phones in schools and improve student focus throughout the day.

Go deeper:

Oklahoma Bills Would Restrict Student Cellphone Use, Social Media, Sex Ed [The 74]

Oklahoma charter school board requests U.S. Supreme Court make final decision on religious school [Oklahoma Voice]

OSDE makes more than a dozen budget requests to lawmakers, including $3 million for bibles [Oklahoma News 4]

“The bottom line is this: When a district’s numbers show failure for their students, there will be help and attention – not voluntarily requested, but required, direct assistance to make sure all resources are pointed toward better student outcomes.”

Accountability was center-stage in Gov. Totek’s address, both in Oregon’s education systems and beyond. After a few turbulent years in public education, Gov. Totek celebrated the state’s resilience and pledged her dedication to ensuring schools are robustly supported. She highlighted past investments in student outcomes, specifically increased investments in early literacy and summer learning, and her budget proposed continued funding for these initiatives. She also pledged increases to school district base funding through the state school fund calculation, though not without oversight.

The focus of Gov. Totek’s administration in the coming years will be proposing significant changes to school accountability and a continuum of support to improve student outcomes at the school and district level. This includes administrative and data system support; first, the development of a single statewide student information system (SIS) that is publicly accessible to increase transparency, and, second, the consolidation of new programs into existing reporting/data collection processes to reduce the administrative load and streamline support.

Go deeper:

• Oregon lawmakers head to Salem today to start the 2025 legislative session [OPB]
• Gov. Tina Kotek’s Oregon education budget plan: $16B for 2025-27 [KOIN 6]
• Oregon invests in science of reading with Early Literacy Success Initiative [K-12 Dive]

“We invested $11 billion in public education for the first time ever and targeted those dollars to the schools that need them most. We’re starting to meet the needs of our students, including serving nearly 92 million free breakfasts to school kids last year.”

In his 2025-26 Budget Address, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that “Pennsylvania is on the rise.” From expanding the workforce to supporting businesses, he highlighted the state’s many strategic investments, including in education.

Gov. Shapiro praised the historic education investments and the state’s new adequacy formula instituted last year (after the previous system was deemed unconstitutional in 2023). He announced an investment of an additional $526 million through the formula. In addition, the budget will also continue support for school repairs, mental health, free breakfast, student-teacher stipends, special education, and more. On mental health, the governor has announced his focus on closing the insurance loophole that excludes coverage for school-based mental health services.

Pennsylvania’s workforce development also received praise for their expansion rate in the past two years, increasing funding for vo-tech, career and technical education, and apprenticeships by nearly $65 million. This year’s budget plans to continue these investments. 

Additionally, while not mentioned in the address, the governor has called for Cyber Charter Reform, proposing a statewide base cyber tuition rate of $8,000 per student annually to save school districts $378 million annually.

Go deeper:

Pennsylvania House passes education funding overhaul with big aid boost for Philly schools [Chalkbeat Philadelphia]

8 things to know about Josh Shapiro’s 2025 budget proposal [City & State Pennsylvania]

“As we return to a pre-pandemic fiscal environment, we must take steps to right-size government while preserving programs that improve educational outcomes, raise incomes, and make our residents healthier – three pillars in the Rhode Island 2030 plan.”

Gov. Daniel McKee’s address  highlighted the successes of Learn365RI – a statewide initiative which has reduced the state’s ELA and math gaps with Massachusetts by 34% and 18%, respectively — and reminded citizens that Rhode Island is committed to doing better.

Gov. McKee pointed out that education initiatives must extend beyond addressing achievement gaps and that the state must prioritize work-based learning opportunities; this week, he will submit a budget that allots $40 million towards LEAs and directly funds 1,000 work-based learning opportunities in the state. He also called for Real Jobs RI, a statewide workforce development initiative, to expand its services and train 500 more citizens. 

On the higher education side, Gov. McKee highlighted the importance of expanding higher education initiatives for Rhode Islanders. He detailed the expansion of the Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College, a state scholarship which has changed the lives of over 600 students. Gov. McKee demonstrated that in order to actually “improv[e] educational outcomes and raise incomes,” we must let citizens in on current initiatives, and given the expansion of these initiatives, the future looks bright. 

Go deeper:

McKee Administration Announces Recipients of $3.8 Million in Learn365RI Grants [RIDE] 

Rhode Island 2030 [RI 2030]

‘Full of progress and promise’: McKee delivering State of the State. Here’s the highlights. [The Providence Journal]

“Our future prosperity requires that our colleges, universities, and technical colleges be accessible and affordable for all; that our institutions of higher education produce a trained and skilled workforce – one that allows us to win jobs and investment in the future.

Gov. McMaster’s State of the State address focused on South Carolina’s economic prosperity and education investments. He celebrated the state’s teacher salary increases, funding for armed school resource officers (SROs) in public schools, and pre-K expansion. His focus this coming year for education will be in safety, affordability, and funding.

Gov. McMaster called upon the General Assembly to execute a range of changes to SC’s K-12 system. He plans to sign a new Education Scholarship Trust Fund Bill that supports low-income families’ school choice and has set aside $30M for the program in his proposed budget. He also is ready to “finish the job” on a number of issues, including: increasing minimum teacher salaries to $50,000, staffing the final 177 public schools without SROs, and continued investments in fully funded, full day 4K for low-income families. He requested the state legislature allow lottery tickets to be purchased with debit cards, not solely cash, a change that would generate $52M in revenue for school-related spending.

Higher education’s affordability was central to Gov. McMaster’s address, with calls to freeze in-state tuition for South Carolina students in exchange for metric-based public higher ed funding. He asked for a $100 million increase in Pell grants and $95 million in lottery funds dedicated to scholarships for the state’s technical college system, in addition to proposing a systematic review of the state’s public higher-ed institutions’ affordability and labor market alignment by the Department of Employment and Workforce. 

Related to education, he has called for changes to the state’s Department of Mental Health and Department of Disabilities and Special Needs and the plan for those agencies to join the governor’s cabinet.

Go deeper:

SC Education Department wants $50K starting teacher salary. Can the state afford it? [The State]

South Carolina governor seeks $3M boost for preschool program amid rising costs [News19]

You could soon pay for lottery tickets with your debit card in South Carolina [WYFF4]

“One of the very best ways that we can set our kids up for success is by giving them the best education possible. We raised the bar for the education that our kids will get in the classroom. We supported their teachers to attract and retain the very best. We provided additional opportunities for parents to help their kids succeed.”

Gov. Kristi Noem’s State of the State address also served as her farewell address after being called upon by President-elect Trump to lead as the Secretary of Homeland Security. She celebrated South Dakota’s successes in implementing science of reading curriculum across the state, improving its teacher workforce, and investments in apprenticeship programs. 

The focus of Gov. Noem’s address as it relates to education was expanding options for families through school choice. She celebrated the Partners in Education Tax Credit, pledging the state’s dedication to implementing an Education Savings Account for South Dakota students in 2025.

Phonics-based ‘science of reading’ on track for South Dakota implementation [South Dakota Searchlight]

Teacher apprenticeship program to launch 2nd cohort this summer [News Center 1]

School choice groups split over Noem’s education savings account plan [South Dakota Searchlight]

“Our budget confirms what I’ve said all along – Tennessee will strive to have the best public schools in the nation and give parents choices in their child’s education, both at the same time.”

In his 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Bill Lee centered the importance of education. He highlighted Tennessee’s recent efforts to bring universal school choice to all Tennessee families.

Gov. Lee announced the continued investments with $580 million for schools, including a major investment in the TISA formula and another pay raise for teachers. He also called for expanding civics education in K-12 curricula. 

Childcare was another key focus for Gov. Lee. He proposed an additional $11 million investment in the Boys and Girls Club to serve 7,500 low-income kids across Tennessee, and a better approach to the Smart Steps Child Care Program by easing the benefits cliff and covering more middle and low-income working families. He plans to tackle childcare workforce turnover as well by increasing pay and expanding eligibility in Tennessee’s existing WAGES program, allowing for more daycare spots and greater access for families in need.

Finally, Gov. Lee called for enhancing the workforce pipeline and career and technical education. He praised efforts to clear TCAT waiting lists and expand vocational, technical, and agricultural education statewide. He proposed the Tennessee Works Scholarship to fully cover TCAT tuition and fees, plus equipment costs for those in need. He also announced the Youth Employment Program expansion to operate year-round, aiming to double participation and reach more underserved communities. Additionally, a proposed occupational teaching license would allow experienced tradespeople to teach without excessive coursework.

Go deeper:

UT’s Institute of American Civics Survey Shows Urgent Need for Civics Education in Tennessee [The University of Tennessee Knoxville]

Bill Lee pledges renewed help for everyday expenses in State of the State address [The Tennessean]

Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee: Transforming Lives, One Family at a Time [Fox 2 Now]

“Texas is No. 1 in so many ways, like jobs, Tier One research universities, cattle and cotton, oil and gas, and we’re home to the largest medical center in the world. The list goes on. It is now time that we set our sights on another No. 1. Texas should be No. 1 in educating our children.”

During his 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Abbott outlined three key pillars to making Texas the No.1 state for educating children. 

The first pillar focuses on parental rights. He made his support clear, stating that “Schools must work for parents, not the other way around.” Schools must respond to parent concerns, and parents should be able to choose what’s best for their children.

His second pillar centered around teachers. Gov. Abbott declared raising teacher pay an emergency item, which would include expanding the Teacher Incentive Allotment program and increasing access to higher merit salaries, among other additional actions to improve teacher training and reduce financial barriers. School safety was also mentioned as a priority, as Gov. Abbott declared he would invest $500 million more to better secure schools.

For the third and final pillar, Gov. Abbott advocated for exceptional academics in Texas. He announced plans to ban DEI initiatives in K-12 and public universities to achieve this, removing “woke agendas” from curricula. He also announced numerous anti-LGBTQ+ statements, such as Texas recognizing only two genders, banning transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports, and immediate punishment for teachers who advocate for transgender beliefs. 

Additionally, Gov. Abbott declared career training as an emergency item. He plans to increase funding for dual credit programs, career training programs, grants, and expanded opportunities for rural students, among other additional actions. 

Go deeper:

• Texas Gov. Greg Abbott proposes 7 emergency items in 2025 State of the State address – CBS News – 3 Februayr 2025
• Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through Senate [The Texas Tribune]
• Learning Curve: See how much money Houston districts get from Teacher Incentive Allotment [Houston Landing]

“From thousands of conversations that I have had with Utahns across the state, I know this: Utah is not done dreaming. We’re not done doing big things. And we’re not done building.”

During his 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Spencer Cox called on Utahns to uphold the state’s long legacy of industry and build in three areas: infrastructure, technology, and people. To achieve this vision, he outlined several different priority initiatives for the state, such as expanding housing attainability and energy abundance, infrastructure and permitting reform, enhancing community safety and support, and bolstering family strength.

As for education, Gov. Cox advocated for empowering parents who wish to shield youth from predatory social media practices. He mentioned rethinking data privacy and portability, and briefly called for removing phones from schools.

Go deeper:

Utah schools may ban cellphones during class time in 2025 [Utah News Dispatch]

Utah Gov. Cox says state ‘must build’ to keep living up to its motto: industry [Utah News Dispatch]

“If we want to be on this road…where more people call Virginia home…then we can come around the table to lower the cost of living for all Virginians…we can raise the ceiling and the floor in education, foster safe communities, and protect our constitutional freedoms…we can empower people to not just choose life, but to choose to build their life – their future – here in Virginia.”

Gov. Youngkin’s State of the Commonwealth celebrated the successes of his administration, including efforts in education—intensive tutoring statewide, science of reading support, launch of lab schools, expansion of CTE, and cellphone bans. He highlighted increased investments in education for both teachers and students. The proposed budget for the coming year was the largest in the state’s history – $22.1 billion dollars over the biennium.

With this expanded budget, Gov. Youngkin aims to reach all corners of the education space. On the higher education side, he proposes $50 million towards Virginia Opportunity Scholarships, which would give $5,000 scholarships to low-income students to be used towards attending accredited private higher education institutions.

Gov. Youngkin also highlighted Virginia’s investment in teacher raises: due to the increased budget, Virginia educators have seen an 18% salary increase in the past three years. 

Go deeper:

• ‘Virginia is winning’: Youngkin delivers optimistic State of the Commonwealth speech [Virginia Mercury]
• Governor Glenn Youngkin Invests More Than $50 Million to Accelerate K-12 Student Success [Governor of Virginia]
• Youngkin announces new education standards [Radio IQ]

“Good teachers are the heart of any educational attainment strategy. This year, I will be asking the Legislature to work with me to open up the antiquated school aid formula so that we can address all of our financial needs at once: those of our families, our taxpayers, and our teachers.”

Gov. Morrisey’s 2025 State of the State Address covered multiple areas, from strengthening energy production to resolving the current budget deficit, as well as education. 

In response to recently released low-performing NAEP scores, Gov. Morrisey vowed to continue prioritizing the basics like reading, writing, and math, but also embrace 21st-century STEM, coding, and digital literacy skills. He praised West Virginia’s HOPE Scholarship and parent choice through West Virginia’s educational savings account. He called for increased teacher pay, the heart of any educational attainment strategy. To do this, and address other school financial needs, he called for the legislature to open and work the school aid formula. 

Additionally, expanding vocational education was a significant focus of the governor’s educational priorities, announcing plans to expand apprenticeships, internships, and partnerships with the business community. 

Finally, Gov. Morrisey called on the legislature to act on banning cell phones in the classroom. He also announced plans to root out DEI and “eradicate the woke virus from infecting our schools,” planning to pass the Riley Gaines Act, which will define sex-based terms and allow for facilities to be based on biological sex.

Go deeper:

Hope Scholarship set to reshape West Virginia education [12 WBOY]

Morrisey lays out plan to tackle WV’s budget hole, vows to ‘lead with common sense’ on social issues [West Virginia Watch]

The $400 Million Projected Deficit: How WVa Got Here [WV Public Broadcasting]

“Folks, the obligation to help address the challenges our kids are facing in the 80 percent of the time they are not in school falls squarely at the feet of elected officials in this building. So, tonight, I’m declaring 2025 the Year of the Kid in Wisconsin because I want everyone here to start taking that important responsibility seriously.”

During his address, Wisconsin Gov. Evers declared 2025 the Year of the Kid as he announced his priorities for the upcoming year. Education was a key focus of his agenda.

In his upcoming budget next month, Gov. Evers pledged to propose historic investments in K-12 education by making meaningful investments in public education at every level. But even before this, he called on Republican lawmakers to release a pre-approved, available $50 million so that they can start improving reading outcomes statewide.

Nutrition and water safety were another main priority. Gov. Evers will re-introduce his Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids initiative that aims to end school meal debt, provide universal healthy breakfast and lunch at no cost, and modernize bubblers at schools across Wisconsin to remove harmful contaminants. He also announced investments statewide to support lead poisoning intervention and response, strengthen Wisconsin’s lead standards, and dedicate additional funding to remove contaminants from water wells. 

Next, Gov. Evers announced that he will continue to push initiatives in school-based mental health services. This upcoming budget will invest nearly $300 million to provide comprehensive mental health services in schools statewide, including support for peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs and expanded mental health training.

Childcare was also a focus of Gov. Evers. He praised a bill going into effect this year that will expand child and dependent care credit. Additionally, he will continue to fund the Child Care Counts program to ensure permanence, investing over $500 million to lower childcare costs, support the industry, and invest in employer-sponsored child care.

Finally, Gov. Evers announced a number of initiatives tackling gun violence, a top priority for the state as they work to keep kids, families, schools, and communities safe. Some of these efforts include the creation of the Wisconsin Office of Violence Prevention, better background checks, restoring a 48-hour waiting period, and passing a “red flag” law, among others. 

Go deeper:

Gov. Tony Evers outlined priorities to support kids during 2025 State of the State address [Wisconsin Examiner]

Gov. Evers Announces “Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids” Initiative to End School Meal Debt, Provide Healthy Breakfast and Lunch to Wisconsin Students [Milwaukee Courier]

A statewide Office of Violence Prevention will help local offices like Green Bay’s. Here’s how [Green Bay Press Gazette]

“Expanding school choice, fostering talent, and building new opportunities require thoughtful resource management, and this is why we must approach our education budget with care.”

Gov. Gordon emphasized parent voice, school choice, and importance of coordination between education and the workforce. He celebrated Wyoming’s RIDE initiative for empowering soon-to-be graduates and the state’s Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) for ensuring higher education institutions are attuned to industry needs. He reiterated the value of the state’s portrait of a graduate in preparing students for a modern workforce. 

Governor Gordon has pledged to continue working to transition WIP from being state-funded to self-sustaining. 

He also thanked parents for their engagement with the school system, promising to continue expanding school choice and empowering parents.

Go deeper:

Wyoming Profile of a Graduate [WY Board of Education]

Internships, taxes, coding: Pilot education program aims to bring back life skills [WyoFile]

As education savings accounts roll out, school-choice advocates push again for expanded eligibility [WyoFile]