Now, the hard part: Jocelyn Benson has big plans. Michigan has big problems

From low reading scores and sagging wages and an aging population, Michigan faces a host of challenges identified by readers through Bridge Listens. What to expect from the governor-elect.

By: Isabel Lohman

Outlets: Bridge Michigan

Published: November 4, 2026

Words: 2,076

Last Updated: 5 days, 3 hours ago

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Democrat Jocelyn Benson will lead a state facing several challenges
Residents are worried about healthcare and housing costs to energy and democracy
Benson will have allies with a Democratic controlled Legislature, but are her plans realistic?

Minutes after becoming governor-elect early Wednesday, Jocelyn Benson said “now the work begins.”

She isn’t kidding.

Michigan faces myriad challenges, from lower-than-average wages and rising healthcare costs to sagging reading scores, an influx of data …

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