06/01/2026
If we are serious about growing Michigan's workforce, we have to be serious about making child care affordable and accessible.
For too many families, child care isn't just another monthly bill, it's the difference between being able to work or being forced to stay home. For employers across Michigan, it has become one of the biggest barriers to recruiting and retaining workers.
Recent research from Michigan State University found that families who live farther from licensed child care providers are significantly less likely to participate in the workforce. Child care-related disruptions cost Michigan nearly $2.9 billion every year, including $2.3 billion in losses to employers and $576 million in lost state tax revenue. More than 5,000 additional women could join Michigan's workforce if child care were available within five miles of their homes.
Child care is not just a family issue. It's an economic and workforce issue.
When parents can find and afford quality child care, businesses can fill open positions, employees can stay in the workforce, and our economy grows stronger.
Making child care more affordable isn't just the right thing to do for families, it's one of the smartest investments we can make in Michigan's future.
As your State Representative and a parent who understands these challenges firsthand, I remain committed to finding solutions that help parents get back to work, support businesses looking for talent, and strengthen Michigan's economy.
