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.
Child care in Michigan
Stories about what happens to kids with care before kindergarten begins.
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.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan preschool vaccine rate is below U.S. average
Childhood vaccination rates in Michigan are at their lowest since 2011 and remain slightly lower than national rates.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan is spending to fill critical worker gaps. Here’s what’s needed
Some worker shortages hurt more than others, and state leaders are rushing to try to make it easier to fill vacancies from paramedics to special ed teachers.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan makes history, requires filtered water in all schools, daycares
New law mandates for filtered water bottle filling stations or faucets in all schools and daycare centers by 2026.
Posted inChildren & Families
56,000 Michigan kids could lose child care as federal COVID funding ends
Federal pandemic funds helped child care providers raise salaries, buy new supplies and pay bills. They also boosted payments to childcare providers so parents could go to work. The funding ends Saturday.
