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Funding Needed to Address Critical Lack of Michigan Child Care Facilities

laraNews report finds nearly 5,000 facilities have closed their doors over the past decade

LANSING – Nearly 5,000 child care facilities have closed their doors, according to a news report, which is why it’s critically urgent for the Legislature to approve $1.4 billion for child care allocated to Michigan as part of COVID-19 federal stimulus dollars.  

WWMT compiled data from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs that showed the number of daycare facilities plummeted over the past decade. The Legislature is scheduled to hold session on Thursday, Sept. 9.  

“A record number of women left the workforce over the past two years, erasing all gains women had made for decades because for too many, being a full-time mom, home teacher, and household manager on top of their paying job was completely untenable,” said Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak. “This new report shows just how far back we have to climb to unlock thousands of capable, passionate, hardworking potential employees to solve the labor shortage. It’s imperative the Legislature approve this $1.4 billion.” 

Early childhood advocates, parents and business groups have been urging the Legislature to approve Michigan’s federal stimulus dollars. Michigan parents and businesses that want to join this effort are encouraged to visit this new website 

“We need childcare centers to open up across the state, particularly in communities that consistently lack access and we need for those facilities to be owned and operated by the caregivers from those communities that are already doing the work,” said Oriana Powell, child care organizer for Mothering Justice. “We continue to call on the Legislature to act and to act now. This $1.4 billion will go a long way toward expanding access and providing Michigan parents with the child care they need to get back to work.”

The $1.4 billion for child care can be used to:  

  • Provide grants to new and expanding child care providers, increasing the availability of services. 

  • Expand eligibility to existing programs that make child care more affordable to Michigan families.

  • Support child care workers by providing higher wages and educational assistance, further enhancing the quality of early childhood education across the state.  

“It takes a village to raise a family, which is why child care providers are an important part of our communities and our economy,” said Hanna Schulze, president of People First Economy. “People who work in the child care industry could benefit from higher wages and access to educational tools to improve care with this federal funding, which is why we urge Michigan lawmakers to put this up for a vote as soon as possible.” 

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