FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 June 2022
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer signs two-party childcare package that extends access to quality, affordable childcare for families; Cut red tape for small businesses
Dual-party childcare package creates a stronger, more sustainable childcare industry with common sense regulatory reform and new strategies to expand options for families
MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Today, at the Governor’s Macomb County address, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 5041 to 5048 to expand access to quality, affordable childcare for families and reduce red tape for childcare businesses. These are the 859 dual bills that have been signed since Governor Whitmer took office.
“Quality, affordable childcare is the backbone of our economy, and I will work with anyone to invest in childminders, businesses and facilities so that parents can return to work knowing that their children are safe and cared for,” he said. Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Last fall, I signed a two-party budget that expanded low- or no-cost childcare to 1 in 3 Michigan families, provided $ 1,000 bonuses to 38,000+ childminders in Michigan, and helped nearly 6,000 childcare businesses open their doors. to keep open. Today, I am proud to build on those two-party efforts with a package of bills that will empower more childcare entrepreneurs and increase the number of quality, affordable childcare options for parents in every region of our great state. ”
“Child care is the silent driver of Michigan’s economy, and we focus on breaking down barriers and expanding access to safe, quality child care for families,” he said. Emily Laidlaw, Director of LARA’s Child Care Licensing Bureau. “Since September 2021, LARA’s Child Care Licensing Bureau has visited a dozen Michigan cities across the state and talked to more than 700 people about expanding or starting their own child care business. “These bills help us continue to reduce red tape and expand access to care – while keeping children’s safety first and foremost.”
“As an owner of 28 centers nationwide, I welcome this bipartisan effort to strengthen the children’s and early learning industry,” he said. Bridgett VanDerhoff, Founder and Owner of AppleTree & Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool. “I have worked closely with state policymakers to formulate these bills and ensure that Lansing’s solutions fit local problems. I am ready to continue this strong partnership between the field and the state. It is important that we work hand in hand to prepare all of Michigan’s children for a future of learning and success in their educational goals. ”
“From the historic $ 1.4 billion investment in child care in the 2022 budget, the continued support for and expansion of the Tri-Share program, and these important improvements signed today, we appreciate Gov. “Whitmer and the Legislature’s shared commitment and continued collaboration to improve child care in Michigan,” he said. Monique Stanton, President and CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy. “The legislation signed today addresses a number of urgent needs, including two long-standing priorities for the Michigan League for Public Policy: increasing infant and toddler care, a great need in rural areas in particular, and establishing family child care networks. better support home-based childcare providers. ”
“One of the most hopeful signs of this legislative season was the two-party effort by the governor and the legislature to address the childcare crisis that is frustrating so many Michigan families and childminders,” he said. Matt Gillard, President and CEO of Michigan’s Children. “We would especially like to mention their work on the Baby Contracts Bill, which will create a more consistent offer of childcare in every community. In addition, praise to both branches for strengthening the capacity of licensed home-based providers (the Family Child Care Networks Bill) with dedicated support they need to serve even more families with quality care. ”
“This legislation will play a critical role in boosting our childcare industry,” he said. Alexa Kramer, Director of Government Operations for the Small Business Association of Michigan. “Child care providers are small business owners, and SBAM is proud to support this legislation to alleviate regulatory burdens and increase our offering of providers in Michigan to better serve employees and families.”
“Child care is a top priority for our members, and we appreciate the legislature and governor taking additional steps to address this issue,” he said. Rick Baker, Grand Rapids Chamber President and CEO. “As we have seen, access to childcare is a critical foundation of our workforce, and we know it is one of the biggest barriers to employment.” Baker added that “The Grand Rapids Chamber was proud to support these bills and we look forward to continuing to advance policies that will help increase both the supply and access to affordable, quality child care in Michigan.”
“Childcare providers find it difficult to stay open to serve working families,” he said. Kevin Stotts, CEO of Talent First. “These changes will eliminate rules that complicate the operation of these small businesses and add costs that do not affect child safety.”
Expanding access to childcare
HB 5041 allows home-based childminders who have a proven track record of serving more children. A family home provider will be eligible to serve seven children, instead of six. A group home provider will be eligible to serve 14 children, instead of 12. The bills give priority to safety while increasing access to quality childcare.
HB 5041 is sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann, and a copy can be found here.
“Getting these bills from the governor’s desk is just fantastic. After years of hard work, many discussions and a great deal of compromise, we were finally able to get it right. I would like to thank the Governor’s team and everyone who worked on this package for their dedication and dedication. I look forward to seeing childcare re-emerge in the state, ”he said. Rep Jack O’Malley.
HB 5043 increase support for home-based childminders by establishing family childcare networks. These networks will provide technical assistance and support tailored for small, home-based businesses.
HB 5043 was sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, D-Novi, and a copy can be found here.
“I often hear from voters who are struggling to get childcare that meets their needs. As a mom, I know these challenges all too well. I am proud of the work that the Legislature has done to expand access and make quality childcare more affordable for families, ”he said. Rep. Kelly Breen. “This bill package is another step in the right direction for children and families in Michigan. My bill has focused on providing more support for home-based child care businesses. These programs are an integral part of our communities, and they deserve professional development and resources tailored to their individual and regional needs. ”
HB 5044 expand access to child care for infants and toddlers by requiring the Michigan Department of Education to establish family child care networks in each region of the state to fairly support home-based child care providers.
HB 5044 is sponsored by Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, and a copy can be found here.
“Signing these bills into law is a victory for young and working families across Michigan. Increasing the accessibility and affordability of child care is helping millions of Michigan residents, especially working mothers who were unable to return to the workforce after the pandemic,” he said. said Rep. Ranjeev Puri. “The accounts will not only benefit working families, but also our economy. I am delighted to continue the work ahead to ensure that every Michigander has access to the quality childcare they need. ”
Common Sense Regulatory Reform
HB 5042 allow quality and care providers to thrive by amending disclosure requirements for childcare center applicants, by cracking down on bad actors trying to play the system and get out of regulations.
HB 5042 is sponsored by Rep. Greg VanWoerkom, R-Norton Shores, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5045 ensure that families can more easily access license reports for a provider by expanding the type of information that LARA is required to compile and make available to the public regarding any special investigation conducted over the past three years for child care centers, family child care homes and group child care homes .
HB 5045 is sponsored by Rep. Rodney Wakeman, R-Frankenmuth, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5046 give child care providers at least 90 days to comply with new health and safety rules.
HB 5046 is sponsored by Rep. Gregory Markkanen, R-Hancock, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5047 reduce administrative burden on childminders by allowing their health and safety record to be shared online with parents.
HB 5047 is sponsored by Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5048 helps childcare providers locate where families live and work by providing childcare providers with a safe way to work in multi-purpose buildings.
HB 5048 is sponsored by Rep. John Roth, R-Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.
Governor Whitmer’s Child Care Investments
Governor Whitmer believes every family in Michigan deserves access to safe, quality, affordable child care that meets their needs. She worked across the aisle to put families first by prioritizing investments in our children’s early years. These investments put children on a path to success and strengthen our economy by helping parents return to work knowing that their children are safe and learning.
Last year she had a record $ 1.4 billion in childcare funding to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare by strengthening existing childcare programs and opening more childcare businesses across the state. The bill was also delivered $ 1,000 bonuses to childminders and increased childcare subsidy rates to better align government payments with the cost of providing high quality care.
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