Advocacy News – July 24, 2024
What’s happening: The lack of affordable, accessible childcare is a major and growing barrier to employment and economic opportunity and growth. That’s why it is a top MI Chamber priority and the organization and other business groups gathered with childcare providers, legislative staff and state executives this week to discuss the future of Michigan’s Tri-Share program.
Launched as a pilot program in 2019, the first-of-its-kind, MI Tri-Share program split the cost of childcare between the employee, the employer and the state. The group explored:
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Opportunities to finetune and grow the program.
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Topics like addressing the sliding scale, increasing business involvement, guaranteed slots for participants, and expanding the program to an additional 26,000 children.
Yes, but: Although Tri-Share is an innovative and key part of the solution, it is not a silver bullet. It’s imperative to include other initiatives that address childcare shortages and access such as reconsidering zoning laws for providers, tax reforms, more educational opportunities for providers when creating a center or expanding, and more.
What’s next: The MI Chamber will be hosting a workgroup on this ongoing childcare issue for members to gather feedback and insights later this summer. Those interested in joining should contact Leah Robinson.