EAST LANSING (WWJ) -- Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Mayor Mike Duggan are calling for the expansion of free preschool programs in Michigan.
During a press conference that was held on Tuesday at the Michigan State University Childhood Development Lab in East Lansing, the Michigan governor, Detroit mayor, and other Democratic leaders urged the legislature to provide more funding for early education in the state.
Whitmer said that the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) has been underfunded, and has therefore underserved eligible children.
“We have a unique opportunity right now to make the type of investments in early education and preschool that will pay massive dividends by improving health, educational, and social outcomes for our children decades down the line,” Whitmer said. “As we put Michigan back to work, parents can go about their work day knowing that their children are learning in a safe and productive environment.”
GSRP provides full-day services to 4-year-old children from families at or below 250% of the poverty line.
Currently, only 66% of eligible children statewide are served by GSRP or federal Head Start programs, which provides free preschool to 43,100 kids throughout the state. An estimated 65,400 students are eligible for the program.
Whitmer’s plan proposes an additional $255 million in federal dollars and $150 million in state dollars, totaling $405 million, for GSRP over the next three years.
“The situation we have now with our state budget, we are in a position where we can make some investments," Whitmer said. "And this is the kind of transformative investment that will return immediate dividend but long term as well."
Mayor Mike Duggan said that he has been lobbying to expand the preschool programs in Detroit for several years, and came close with bi-partisan support last year, before COVID greatly affected the state budget.
“Early childhood education is critical for the development and future success of all children. By investing in universal Pre-K education we can ensure that every Detroit child has the opportunity to get the head start they need,” Duggan said. “I appreciate Gov. Whitmer's leadership in prioritizing the education of our youngest children across Detroit and Michigan.”
Related
