Whitmer Plans to Invest $1.4B to Expand Affordable Child Care

I've been seeing a lot of chatter on social media today about Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's plan to invest $1.4 billion in federal child care funding in several different areas. Some of that chatter was positive while the rest was very negative. I didn't really see anyone that was on the fence about the topic.

According to WXYZ, the two rounds of stimulus funding allowed the state to invest more than the $241.5 million the state gets annually in federal Child Development and Care program dollars. The main goal is obviously to make child care more affordable for struggling families.

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What's the plan?

• Increase income eligibility from 150% of the federal poverty level to 200% for a family of four from Aug. 1, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2023.
• It would then increase to 160% annually after Sept. 2023.
• Premium pay would be offered to child care professionals with quarterly stipends, raise child care subsidy rates by 20% and provide grants to new and expanding sites in communities without adequate child care.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer:

All families deserve access to quality child care that meets their needs and the investments I’ve announced today will make child care more attainable and affordable for Michigan families. My plan will support Michigan child care businesses and honor child care professionals by providing more financial support and security to providers.

This historic investment would change the lives of families across our state for the better. When we invest into our child care system, we’re allowing for parents to work and be even more productive and providing an environment that children can thrive in.

What are your thoughts on the plan?