(WWJ) There's good news for thousands of working Michiganders who struggle to afford the high cost of daycare for their children.
Under the new state budget, Michigan is expanding access to free or low-cost child care to 105,000 more kids in the state.
Under new income eligibility criteria, families of four earning up $49,000 will be eligible for free or low-cost child care, helping parents go back to work knowing that their kids are cared for.
To find out of you qualify, VISIT THIS LINK to apply.
“We need to continue working hard to drive down costs for families and expand access to high-quality, affordable child care so parents can go to work knowing that their kids are safe and learning,” said Gov. Whitmer, in a statement Monday.
“I was proud to put child care first in the bipartisan budget I signed in September. Together, we lowered costs for working families by expanding low or no-cost care to 105,000 kids and providing grants to improve child care programs and empower child care professionals. Countless working parents rely on child care, and we must continue expanding high-quality care to help every working family thrive. With this investment, we can ensure kids and working families succeed as we continue ushering in a new era of prosperity for our communities.”
In addition to expanding eligibility, beginning immediately, family contributions (the amount parents receiving state childcare support are required to pay toward the cost of care) are waived until Sept. 30, 2022. This lifts some of the financial burden on the nearly 40,000 families currently receiving state child care support.
“Workforce shortages have become the top concern among most small business owners. Providing support to Michigan families for quality child care will make it possible for more parents to reenter and stay in the workforce,” said Brian Calley, President of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “This bipartisan initiative to remove barriers to employment will to be a game changer for many Michigan families."
“Affordable childcare is essential to building a thriving workforce throughout the state,” said Ben Damerow, Director of Michigan Works! Southwest. “We know parents want to work and that access to quality, reliable child care is a huge barrier to employment. Prioritizing child care is good for kids, families, employers, and our economy.”
“Today there are still over 200,000 women who haven’t returned to the workforce. Access to affordable child care that meets their needs is a huge reason why. Increasing access to state child care support helps women continue their economic recovery and strengthens Michigan families,” said Muna Jondy, Chair of the Michigan Women’s Commission.
Eligible families must apply to receive childcare support through the Child Development & Care Program, commonly called the childcare subsidy. Families must be income eligible, have a child under age 12, and have an eligible need, such as working or going to school, to qualify.
Visit https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/ to apply today.
Need help finding childcare? Visit GreatStarttoQuality.org.