LANSING, Mich. – Alicia Guevara, CEO of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), issued the following statement following passage of the state budget:

“The Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) applauds Michigan’s lawmakers for passing a state budget that makes meaningful, forward-looking investments in our youngest children and the families and communities who support them. 

“By protecting the Child Care Scholarship program and PreK for All, reinvesting in local early childhood infrastructure with Early Learning Partnerships, and creating dedicated funding by establishing the Early Childhood Investment Fund, the Legislature has demonstrated its commitment to understanding that Michigan’s future begins in its earliest years. Research makes clear that every dollar invested in young children yields a return of up to 13%, and today’s investments are a meaningful step for our future.

“This budget reflects a foundational commitment to early childhood that Michigan needs. Thanks in no small part to the Think Babies Michigan coalition’s continued advocacy across the state, Michigan joins over 20 states recognizing the need for dedicated funding for the earliest years through the Early Childhood Investment Fund. Investments in next year’s budget help build the foundation to change that reality. ECIC is committed to working alongside the legislature, the governor, and our partners across the state to ensure these dollars reach children and families who need them most, and we look forward to building on this progress in the years ahead.”