LANSING, Mich. – Alicia Guevara, CEO of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), issued the following statement after state and federal lawmakers failed to pass budgets by the September 30 deadline:
“We appreciate that Michigan lawmakers acted to temporarily keep the state government funded past the September 30 deadline, preventing an immediate shutdown. But a continuation budget is not a solution, and the lack of completed budgets at both the state and federal levels creates unacceptable uncertainty for Michigan families with young children.
“Because Michigan’s fiscal year 2026 budget is not completed, ECIC cannot move forward with securing contracts with the State of Michigan or our local partners. Until the budget is completed, ECIC can’t provide funding to the essential community-based organizations that keep Michigan’s early childhood system strong. These delays directly impact the stability of programs that families depend on every day.
“When budgets remain unfinished, it shifts focus away from children and families and toward managing uncertainty. Parents need reliable early childhood support, like child care, and our businesses need working families for their economic stability. Early childhood supports are essential infrastructure, and require reliable funding to support parents and ensure children get the best possible start in life.
“Michigan has made significant progress in strengthening early childhood systems and expanding access to quality, affordable child care. But every week without completed budgets, at both the state and federal levels, puts that progress at risk and places an undue burden on early childhood providers and families who are already stretched thin.
“ECIC urges lawmakers in Lansing and Washington to finish the job and pass full budgets that put young children and their families first. Michigan cannot afford to lose ground on the progress we’ve made towards ensuring that young children and families in Michigan thrive. Parents and providers deserve stability. Until budgets are finalized, uncertainty will continue to disrupt families, businesses, and the communities that depend on them.”
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About the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC)
The Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) is Michigan’s leading public–private organization focused on improving early childhood outcomes. Established by the state to advance a comprehensive early childhood system, ECIC works with communities, businesses, policymakers, and families to increase access to high-quality, affordable childcare and early learning opportunities. Through innovative programs, research, and partnerships, ECIC helps ensure that every child in Michigan has the opportunity to thrive in school and in life. Learn more at www.ecic4kids.org.
