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Dear Friend,??
We?re working hard to deliver for Michiganders on the things that make a real difference in their lives. We are fighting to lower costs, expand access to quality, affordable child care, and invest in Pure Michigan.
Check out the details below and some additional updates on the issues we will continue delivering on for Michiganders.
Sincerely,
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor
Last year, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and I set a bold goal to open 1,000 new child care programs by the end of 2024 through the Caring for MI Future program. I am proud to say that we surpassed that goal last month, a year earlier than expected, by opening 1,089 child care programs, adding nearly 37,000 new spots in child care facilities!
Providers in nearly every county of the state have participated in Caring for MI Future. Current and aspiring child care entrepreneurs can learn more at Michigan.gov/caringformifuture and contact an Our Strong Start Navigator to learn which resources are the right fit for their goals. These resources include:
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Our Strong Start (OSS):?The State?s team of navigators continues to support entrepreneurs as they establish or expand their business. This team has provided all?1,089?new facilities and?2,159?expanded facilities with a variety of assistance including developing business plans, accessing grant funding, and navigating the licensing process. ?
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Facility Improvement Fund?grants: Through?this grant program, the State has helped entrepreneurs upgrade and renovate their child care facilities in 69 counties. ?
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Pre-licensure and startup funding:?The State has also offered grant funding to support entrepreneurs before and after receiving their child care license, including:?
- 1,340?pre-licensure grants
- 355?start-up grants (available after receiving their license)
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Business development tools:?Since May of 2022,?over 2,500 child care entrepreneurs have participated in professional development to strengthen their business plan and set their program up for success, including 1:1 consultations, trainings, webinars, workshops, and communities of practice.?
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Support in recruiting and developing staff:?More than forty-two counties are engaging in workforce efforts to recruit, train, and retain talented early educators through a variety of activities, including apprenticeship work and TEACH CDA scholarships and cohorts.?
Not only are we opening more child care programs, it has also become easier for military families to access child care in their community. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood?PLUS initiative, operated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), includes quality providers in its fee assistance program when on-base child care is unavailable.
This increases options for military parents and lowers the cost of child care, saving military families up to $1,400 per month in child care expenses.
I know that the demand for quality child care is still high and that our child care professionals need more support. That?s why our administration will keep working hard to improve accessibility and affordability in every community.
When we invest in our state parks and public lands, we all benefit. Earlier this week, I announced that 15 communities across Michigan would receive funding to improve their local parks and public lands. We?re able to secure this critical funding through the Recreation Passport Grant program, which gives year-round vehicle access to all our state parks, campgrounds, trails, and boating access sites.
You can find all the projects recommended for funding in this round of awards here. The application period for the next round of grant funding opens in early 2024, with applications due April 1. For more information about the program and application materials, please visit Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.
The Recreation Passport helps us improve the quality of life for Michiganders. I am proud to say that my administration has made the largest investments ever in our state and local parks over the last few years. Let?s keep investing in Pure Michigan.
As we continue to build a bright future for Michigan, I invite you to play an active role in shaping the future of our great state. Check out my current Appointments Opportunities available through the end of this year.
Your voice and expertise matter, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our Cabinet, Executive Office, and all state boards and commissions reflect the diversity and talent that Michigan has to offer. These opportunities span over 240 boards and commissions across state departments and agencies, addressing a wide range of critical issues.
Last week, elaborating on our rich history of championing equality, Michigan took another bold step towards inclusivity with the first-ever appointments to the newly established LGBTQ+ commission. These appointees are pioneers and leaders in advocacy, activism, and education in the LGBTQ+ community. They, along with the structure of the commission, reflect the socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, occupational, political, and geographic diversity of our great state.
Your skills and passion can make a difference in building a brighter future for Michigan. To see the full array of the boards and commissions, or to apply for an appointment opportunity, visit www.michigan.gov/appointments.
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