Through January, 33 governors have delivered a State of the State speech, while 32 have proposed a new budget for fiscal 2026. NASBO has been publishing state-by-state summaries of both State of the State addresses and budget proposals. In both their speeches and budget recommendations, governors have emphasized affordability concerns while noting the need to lower housing costs, reduce childcare expenses, address the price of college, improve healthcare access, enhance food security, curb energy costs, and provide tax relief.
Alaska – Budget proposal includes several affordability measures including support for rural housing programs, homeless assistance, expanded childcare assistance, and food security.
Arizona – Budget recommendation prioritizes lowering housing costs through expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, increasing first-time homebuyer assistance, and one-time funding to reduce veteran homelessness. Also addresses childcare affordability through an initiative to reduce childcare costs, increase access, and support providers.
Arkansas – Emphasized the need to address the cost-of-living including through efforts to address food security, such as eliminating the state’s grocery tax, as well as reducing college costs through funding college credits while students are still in high school and expanding scholarships to associate’s degrees and non-degree credentials.
Colorado – Highlighted the need to improve the standard of living including through reducing housing costs by expanding choices, speeding up construction timelines, streamlining the process for modular housing options, and allowing faith-based and educational partners to build housing on their land.
Connecticut – Said his focus is on affordability and opportunity, including holding down the costs of energy, healthcare and education, and allowing people to keep more of what they earn while providing the tools to earn more.
Hawaii – Recommended budget priorities include reducing the cost of living, building affordable housing for working families, and sheltering and caring for vulnerable residents.
Michigan – Budget proposal is focused on lowering costs including continuing the Working Families Tax Credit, funding universal pre-K, providing free school meals, helping Michiganders with disabilities save money without impacting their benefits eligibility, providing childcare for children of Michigan National Guard, ensuring tests remain capped for low-income students, and creating affordability programs to help families struggling with their water bills.
New Jersey - Discussed ways to deliver economic security and lower costs including expanding access to public contracting opportunities for historically marginalized businesses; updating outdated zoning and permitting laws; and reforming the state’s farmland assessment tax system.
New York – Said New York’s future depends upon the ability of every family to afford the essentials of life. Recommended budget includes a series of tax relief measures, universal free school meals, a path to universal childcare, broadened healthcare access, and increased housing support.
North Dakota – Budget proposal includes a series of property tax relief measures and recommends a housing initiative package to address availability and affordability needs through new and existing programs.
Vermont – Discussed constituents’ widespread concerns regarding affordability, and its relationship with other issues facing the state. Said affordability and demographics cannot be separated while noting the need for more workers to generate revenue and offset an aging population. Also said Vermont will need to spend within its means to help make the state more affordable.