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Dear Michigander,
Happy September ? and Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 ? October 15, we celebrate the rich cultural influence and contributions of the Hispanic American community here in Michigan and nationwide.
We also have other things to celebrate here in Michigan. This week, we began a resurfacing project in Marquette County ? because wanting to fix the damn roads is something Yoopers and Trolls have in common. We also announced programs to increase affordability of housing and childcare, helping Michigan families save money. I am so proud of our efforts to make a real difference in people?s lives, and I will keep working with anyone to put our beautiful state and its amazing people first.
Sincerely,
Gretchen Whitmer Governor of Michigan
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan
As a mom, I know firsthand the importance of high-quality, affordable childcare. While we?re working to lower childcare costs for families and expand access to early learning programs, like 4-year-old preschool, there are still too many working families struggling to find childcare that meets their needs and budget.
That?s why I am proud to announce the new Our Strong Start program.
 This program makes it easier for entrepreneurs to open new childcare programs, get licensed faster, and expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare. Child care entrepreneurs can contact Our Strong Start for assistance at any stage in the business development process ? including before they?ve secured a facility of applied for a child care license. This will be a huge help for potential business owners, who can connect with Our Strong Start navigators to help understand the childcare licensing process, create a business plan, and learn about grant funds.
This is an exciting development in our Caring for MI Future strategy that will help open 1,000 new childcare programs by the end of 2024. When childcare is affordable and accessible, our economy and our families thrive.
Every family deserves a safe, affordable place to call home ? but too many Michiganders do not have access to housing in their communities that meets their needs. Last week, I signed an executive order establishing the Statewide Housing Partnership within the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). This partnership will develop a strategy to implement Michigan?s Statewide Housing Plan and ensure that every Michigander has access to affordable housing.
 We must work together to tackle Michigan?s housing challenges to ensure Michiganders from Marquette to Macomb have a place to call home. I am confident that this partnership will help us build more affordable housing, create good-paying construction jobs, close equity gaps, and make Michigan a better place to raise a family and grow a business. Together, we can help Michiganders find an affordable place to call home, and ensure Michigan maintains a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent to grow our economy.
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