FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mothering Justice joins Gov. Whitmer for signing of state budget that invests in Michigan families

DETROIT — Mothering Justice Michigan Executive Director Eboni Taylor joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and fellow advocates for Michigan workers and families Wed., Sept. 29, 2021 for the signing ceremony for the Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2022 state budget. The new budget will provide a series of investments to help Michigan's economy, including lowering the costs and expanding the access of childcare for working families.

“Michigan mamas and working families applaud Gov. Whitmer and state lawmakers for prioritizing critical investments in mamas, families and our economy, bolstering Michigan’s care infrastructure and making child care more accessible,” said Taylor. “This positive, state-level step toward building back better after COVID-19 must be echoed at the federal level with robust investment and policy that support working families. We urge Congress to do their part and to show up for the mamas, working families and communities of color who sent them to Capitol Hill.”

“The budget provides strong investments for the state's economy, enhances childcare for Michigan's working families, invests in education and the skills needed for Michigan's workforce, protects our health, prioritizes cleaning up our water and environment, and rebuilds our infrastructure and crumbling bridges,” stated Gov. Whitmer’s office in a news release.

According to the governor’s office, the funding plan’s important investments in child care, Michigan’s care workforce and economy include:

$108.1 million that makes 105,000 more children eligible for child care by increasing income eligibility to 185% of the federal poverty level through fiscal year 2023, then 160% ongoing in the following fiscal years.

$13 million to waive parent copays for child care through fiscal year 2022.

$158 million for an ongoing 30% rate increase for child care providers, with an additional $222 million for a temporary rate increase.

$117.4 million to pay for enrollment in child care through fiscal year 2023.

$36.5 million over three years to expand the number of child care spaces for infants and toddlers.

$700.7 million for stabilization grants and another $100 million for startup grants for child care providers, including technical assistance and facility improvements.

$30 million for a one-time $1,000 bonus for child care staff.

$100 million for community revitalization and placemaking grants to support economic development in local communities.”

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Mothering Justice is dedicated to returning decision making power to the ones affected by these decisions the most. By empowering mothers to influence policy on behalf of themselves and their families, Mothering Justice hopes to change the future of families in Michigan for the better. Learn more at motheringjustice.org.