Advocacy News – July 1, 2026
What’s happening: Legislation to permanently establish the MI Tri-Share Child Care Program in state law passed the House last week with bipartisan support. The employer-based program has helped families save more than $14 million since launching as a pilot in 2021.
Why it matters: Access to affordable child care remains one of Michigan employers’ most persistent workforce challenges. MI Tri-Share helps address that barrier by splitting the cost of licensed child care equally among participating employers, employees and the state, reducing eligible employees’ out-of-pocket costs by two-thirds.
- The program is already being used by employers across Michigan and has become a model for states across the country.
- Administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP), it is available to households earning between 200% and 400% of the federal poverty level – roughly $66,000 to $132,000 annually for a family of four.
- The legislation also would establish a voluntary “CareShare” option for employers that want to offer child care assistance but are unable to participate in the state-supported program because of funding limitations.
What we’re saying: The Michigan Chamber has supported MI Tri-Share since its inception because expanding access to affordable child care helps employers attract and retain talent while supporting working parents and strengthening Michigan’s workforce and economy.
The bottom line: Permanently establishing MI Tri-Share in state law would provide long-term certainty for a proven workforce solution while expanding opportunities for more Michigan employers to offer this valuable benefit.
What’s next: The Michigan Senate has already passed similar legislation. The MI Chamber will continue advocating for final passage so businesses and employees can continue benefiting from the innovative workforce program.
For questions or more information, contact Randy Gross.