Benson outlines economic and healthcare plans for Michigan

Jocelyn Benson, who became governor-elect on Wednesday, has outlined a series of economic and healthcare initiatives aimed at addressing Michigan's rising costs and workforce challenges. Her proposals include creating a healthcare affordability board, passing a $5,000 caregiver tax credit, and expanding a cash-to-moms program to support families facing higher grocery and gas prices.

The new administration also plans to reform the Homestead Property Tax Credit to reflect current housing costs and inflation, raising income eligibility limits so more working families and seniors can qualify. Benson stated she intends to hold investors accountable for driving up rents and aims to change how the state sets energy rates to alleviate financial pressure on residents.

In the education sector, Benson proposed raising the minimum teacher salary to $60,000 annually and ensuring the School Aid Fund is dedicated exclusively to PreK-12 schools rather than colleges. While these measures address concerns about low reading scores and workforce aging, officials have not yet detailed how the state will fund these policies amid a projected $2 billion budget shortfall.

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