Policymakers should consider additional investment and improvements in transitional kindergarten, given how successful these programs appear to be in Michigan.
Child care in Michigan
Stories about what happens to kids with care before kindergarten begins.
Posted inMichigan Government
Private preschools fear cuts, closures under ‘gut punch’ Michigan plans
As Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pushes free preschool for all, private providers are worried that state House and Senate plans could force them to close instead of expand service.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | PreK for All: Giving tomorrow’s leaders — today’s youth — the best possible start
Investing in early childhood education is not just an investment in individual children; it is an investment in the future of our state.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Listen to constituents about pre-K. Michigan's economy depends on it
School aid budget proposals would limit the ability of community-based child-care providers to participate in the state’s publicly funded pre-K program. Policymakers should not ignore the voices of constituents.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer to moms: Paid leave, day care would help the Michigan economy
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday reiterated her case for paid family leave and other support for working moms, arguing during a national summit that mom-friendly policies are good for the economy.
Posted inMichigan Government
Democrats ditching Whitmer plans for Michigan trash fee hike, EV rebates
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to raise landfill fees to fund environmental cleanups and provide rebates for electric vehicles. Fellow Democrats are having second thoughts in the Legislature.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan works to improve pay, as state inches toward universal pre-K
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s goal to make preschool free and available to all families is a big task. The biggest hurdles for the state to overcome are shortages of qualified staff and too few affordable, quality child care spots for 4-year-olds.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer State of the State 2024: More money for housing, college, childcare
In her sixth State of the State speech, Whitmer outlined 10 goals. Most are more modest than in years past, reflecting the reality of an election year and temporarily split House of Representatives.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer State of the State 2024: Read the speech
The Democratic governor gave her sixth State of the State address on Wednesday. It was included about 10 goals, lots of references to 1980s rock anthems and praise for the Detroit Lions. Read the speech.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer State of the State 2024: Did she meet last year's goals?
As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prepares her 2024 State of the State address, did she accomplish her 2023 goals? Bridge Michigan analyzes the success of her priorities over the last year.