Snyder’s spokeswoman Geralyn Lasher did not return calls Tuesday seeking comment on what can be expected from the governor’s 7 p.m. speech to the Legislature. But Lasher told The State News earlier this month the governor is expected to detail his goals for both higher education and the state.

“The governor has talked about how we’re so fortunate to have world-class institutions in the state of Michigan,” Lasher said. “His priority is really changing the academic development priority in the state of Michigan and creating jobs.”

Although time will tell the content and context of Snyder’s address, experts and lawmakers have plenty to say about what might be in store.

Richard Cole, a professor in MSU’s Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Retailing, said Snyder likely will hit on topics such as Michigan’s budget, the state’s economy and the outlook for Michigan’s future.

Cole, who served as Chief of Staff for former Gov. James Blanchard, said Snyder could utilize his first address specifically to discuss his plans for the issues he views as important to the state’s future, such as education from K-12 through higher education and beyond.

But atop the list, Cole said, is Snyder’s plans to balance Michigan’s budget. Snyder has said he hopes to have a two-year, balanced budget in place by July. Economists in the past month have pegged the state’s potential budget shortfall at about $1.85 billion.

“He’s got to hit on how he’s going to get the budget in order, and do it in a way that preserves the most important characteristics of this state, those characteristics that will lead to a better economic future for the state,” Cole said.

Packaging sophomore Jocelyn Coast said the state’s economy is a key issue for Snyder to address. Coast also said supporting MSU should be an objective for Snyder.

“It’s important to have (a) degree, especially in this economy,” Coast said.

In the weeks leading up to the State of the State address, experts and analysts have predicted specifics of Snyder’s plans will take shape during his remarks. But the address still is all talk in the absence of budget recommendations from the governor, said state Rep. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing.

Those recommendations are not expected until mid-February, Meadows said. Still, the lawmaker said he hopes Snyder will invoke a bipartisan spirit during his speech.

“It’s important to emphasize the things we can work on together, and I’m hoping his message is just that,” Meadows said.

Ari Adler, spokesman for state House Speaker Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, said legislative leaders in both parties anticipate the speech because it will be a way to get an idea of what the governor feels is best for the future.

“It’s a time now to bring all of our agendas together, compare notes and start moving forward on them,” Adler said.

Ultimately, Cole said, Snyder’s first address must discuss a plan that is “powerful and plausible.”

“It’s got to be plausible in that it’s got to be some picture of what people believe we can achieve,” Cole said. “And it’s got to be powerful in that it has to capitalize on the opportunity that he has at this moment to inspire us.”