Michigan To Use $1.4B In Federal Funds To Expand Child Care

LANSING, MI — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a proposal Monday to invest $1.4 billion in federal child care funding to expand access to affordable childcare.

The plan aims to help people go back to work while giving them childcare options, Whitmer's administration said in a news release

“All families deserve access to quality child care that meets their needs and the investments I’ve announced today will make child care more attainable and affordable for Michigan families,” Whitmer said. “My plan will support Michigan child care businesses and honor child care professionals by providing more financial support and security to providers. I’ve pledged my support for early educators s and this approach will deliver that support.”

The two rounds of stimulus funding passed through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act allow for expanded investment above the $241.5 million Michigan receives annually in federal Child Development and Care program dollars specifically for child care, according to the news release.

“When parents have access to affordable, available, reliable, and safe child care – it is transformative for Michigan’s economy,” Michigan Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “Under Governor Whitmer’s leadership, we have a one-time injection of 6 times the amount of resources that we receive in a typical year for child care. This historic investment would change the lives of families across our state for the better.

"When we invest into our child care system, we’re allowing for parents to work and be even more productive and providing an environment that children can thrive in," Gilchrist added.

Whitmer's administration said that the additional funds will build on childcare proposal priorities included in the governor's executive recommendation released in February. It allows for the expansion of policies such as paying bonuses to childcare workers and start-up grants for workers, as well.