More than seven months after the expiration of $24 billion in federal funds that buoyed our country’s childcare sector during the pandemic, newly analyzed census data has underscored the critical need for stronger state-level investments in childcare to support struggling families and providers.

While at least 11 states and the District of Columbia have stepped in to provide significant new state funding for childcare in the aftermath of last fall’s funding cliff, Michigan is not counted among them. Families have fared far worse in states like Michigan that have not stepped in to provide this critical support, according to a new analysis by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) of Census Household Pulse Survey data.

Two Michigan lawmakers attend White House summit on childcare

NWLC’s analysis of the survey data found that the share of responding households with children under the age of 12 that reported a lack of childcare over the past four weeks jumped from 17.8% to 23.1% from fall 2023 to spring 2024 in the states without significant, additional investments in childcare. 

Here in Michigan, the share of responding households with children under 12 that reported childcare arrangement issues over the past four weeks climbed from 19.6% to 22.3% — a 14% increase — in that same time frame. By comparison, there was a smaller, not statistically significant increase in a lack of childcare in the states with stronger investments.

Additionally, among the Michigan households reporting childcare issues in the spring survey, 36% have cut work hours, 34% have taken unpaid leave, 31% have had to supervise their children while working and 26% have left a job as a result of childcare disruptions. Meanwhile, the NWLC’s analysis shows that the share of women respondents who wanted to work, but couldn’t because they were caring for a young child went down in the states providing significant new childcare funding, dropping from 45.3% to 31.9%. 

While another childcare funding cliff is looming, with more federal funding set to expire in September 2024, and affordable, high-quality childcare is still out of reach for far too many Michiganders, there are some exciting opportunities in the state budget proposals for Fiscal Year 2025 that would go a long way in helping to strengthen Michigan’s childcare sector. 

These include increased childcare subsidy reimbursement rates for providers, provider start-up/stabilization grants and a pilot that would allow childcare workers to be automatically eligible for childcare subsidies. Budget conversations are ongoing, but these are all promising proposed investments that the Michigan League for Public Policy and our partners support.

We can also ensure more families are able to access affordable, high-quality childcare by waiving family contributions for childcare subsidies and providing presumptive eligibility for families applying for childcare subsidies while their application is pending. Investing in efforts to improve childcare workforce recruitment and retention would also help to stabilize Michigan’s childcare system, while addressing the low wages that childcare workers receive. 

These workers are integral to nurturing, protecting and caring for Michigan’s babies and kids and yet they are among the lowest paid workers in the state, earning a median wage of less than $14 an hour (about $28,870 annually).

This matters for all of us. By one estimate, Michigan is losing out on an estimated $2.88 billion in annual economic activity, including $576 million in direct revenue impact, as a result of inaccessible, unaffordable childcare. Making childcare more affordable for families and ensuring providers have stable incomes will help parents remain in the workforce, benefiting our state’s economy, while also helping to bring down Michigan’s child poverty rate and provide our earliest learners with access to high-quality care.

In the face of federal inaction, investing additional state dollars in childcare is a smart, commonsense choice for Michigan. It would result in better outcomes for families and workers, brighter futures for our state’s kids and a stronger state for everyone.

Press Release | May 24, 2024

Michigan Governor Whitmer signed a proclamation acknowledging May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

This is a press release from the MSF…

Irvine, CA (May 23, 2024) – With riding season underway, more and more motorcyclists are taking to Michigan roadways. In an effort to raise awareness of motorcycles and motorcyclists’ safety, Governor Whitmer signed a proclamation acknowledging May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The proclamation encourages all drivers to “look twice” for motorcycles and encourages all riders to wear all the gear all the time and to get the proper training.

“There are more than half a million licensed motorcycle riders in Michigan,” said Scott Schloegel, acting President & CEO of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Motorcycle Industry Council. “As one of those registered MI riders myself, I want to thank Governor Whitmer and her administration for this proclamation and their work to raise awareness of motorcyclists riding on Michigan roadways. Motorcycles have smaller profiles than cars and it is vital that drivers look twice for us. Additionally, all riders need to ride in a safe and responsible manner.”

At local, state, and federal levels, officials have introduced resolutions and proclamations to help keep motorcycle safety top of mind for everyone on the road and at the forefront of conversation with policymakers. U.S. Senate Resolution 695 sponsored by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and House Resolution 1179 sponsored by Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI) are among several acknowledgments the MSF Government Relations team secured in 2024. Here is a collection of some of the proclamations from across the country:

State of Michigan Proclamation, State of Minnesota Proclamation, City of Raton, New Mexico Proclamation, State of North Dakota Proclamation and State of West Virginia Proclamation.

Safety tips, booklets, and other reference materials are available at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website, msf-usa.org. For those looking to learn to ride, earn their license, or brush up on riding skills, take a hands-on safety class. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the country’s leading safety resource and advocate for motorcyclists, offers courses for riders of every experience level. The MSF’s Basic RiderCourse is among the best ways to learn to ride and get licensed.

Click here for more Press Releases on Cycle News.

Magnolia Network fans and those who love old fixer uppers can enjoy new episodes of “Diary of an Old Home” on Max beginning Friday, May 24. The series is at the intersection of modern renovation and historical preservation, featuring homes that feature both. Two of the episodes feature Michigan homes.

About the show:

Homeowners of old homes offer an intimate look inside in “Diary of an Old Home.” See the original features and modern renovations that make their house unique, and hear about their passionate project to preserve property history. Max has several episodes from the last three seasons that you can catch up on. The first three episodes of season four are available now, with more to be added later.

Each episode is approximately 10-15 minutes, making for a short dive into the world of renovation and history. This is what to expect in the first three episodes of season four, per Max.

“1926 Jewell Colony Tudor”

A couple moves from Texas to Michigan and buys a 1926 English Tudor in the historic Jewell Colony on the island of Grosse Ile, just south of Detroit.

“1910 Craftsman Farmhouse”

A couple restores a 1910 Craftsman Farmhouse on generational farmland in Michigan into a forever home where they can raise their five children.

“1918 Pre-Craftsman”

A couple moves from Brooklyn to Minneapolis and renovates a 1918 Pre-Craftsman with a bold aesthetic partly inspired by the house’s previous owner.

The original trailer for the series is below:

How to watch:

• Max – Prices range from $9.99/month to $19.99/month, and include popular series, award-winning movies, sports and more. Click here to subscribe; or access Max for $9.99/month through Prime Video Channels.