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.
Child care in Michigan
Stories about what happens to kids with care before kindergarten begins.
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.
Posted inMichigan Government
How a federal government shutdown would impact Michigan
The U.S. government is teetering on the brink of a federal shutdown that would pause or delay many government services.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan is ‘improving outcomes’ for early childhood health and education, report says
The state ranks above national averages in several key areas that indicate success for young children, but still falls short in some, according to newly compiled data.
Posted inTalent & Education
Childcare is a critical job, with a critical worker shortage in Michigan
With an estimated 9,000 openings around the state, childcare providers are struggling to serve families desperate for care.