Urge Lawmakers to Pass Michigan's FY26 State Budget

Michiganders continue to wait for the state legislature to pass a fiscal year 2026 (FY26) budget. The Governor, Senate, and the House have all proposed different versions of the FY26 budget bills, but if they cannot reach a compromise and pass a final state budget before October 1, Michigan’s government will shut down until the budget bills are passed. A state government shutdown would cause significant interruptions to programs serving young children and their families across Michigan.

There’s still time: contact your state lawmakers and urge them to pass a budget to avoid a government shutdown. Read more about ECIC and Think Babies Michigan’s budget priorities for early childhood.

Join ECIC for a Day of Action on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

More information coming soon on how to easily contact your lawmakers about the need to pass a FY26 budget on behalf of families with young children!

Stay informed about the budget status of these programs with ECIC’s Michigan Early Childhood Budget Tracker, where we compile all early childhood budget proposals into one side-by-side resource for you.

ECIC Celebrates 2025's Child Care Champions

ECIC’s Child Care Innovation Fund and Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute proudly presented the 2025 Child Care Champion Awards on September 17! The Child Care Champion Award recognized employers across the State of Michigan leading investment in working families and communities by strengthening child care solutions for their employees and communities. From on-site child care programs to partnerships reducing child care costs for working families, these businesses know that when child care works, we all work! 

Learn more about this year's awardees on our blog.

Learning from Family Child Care Networks Across Michigan

ECIC's Child Care Innovation Fund gathered in Lansing on August 28, alongside state partners and Family Child Care Network (FCCN) leaders for an energizing and impactful in-person peer learning community.  

The day was filled with inspiration from the powerful stories of home-based child care business owners whose businesses have been positively impacted by FCCNs, to rich learnings with the Erikson Institute on FCCN research and evaluation. Together, we celebrated the progress of Michigan’s FCCN initiative and explored the opportunities ahead.  

Thank you to the attendees, whose contributions are shaping a stronger, more equitable child care system for Michigan families! Learn more about Family Child Care Networks and get involved.

ECIC Statement: Federal Budget Proposal Risks Undermining Early Childhood Progress

On September 9, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee advanced the federal Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This budget bill proposed significant cuts and changes to programs that support children and families nationwide, including flat funding for many early childhood programs and elimination of the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five. Read ECIC’s statement about the bill’s impact on MI children and families.

Get Involved: In the Community

Register Now: MI-AIMH's 3rd Annual Infant Mental Health Capitol Day 

Webinar: Effects of Michigan’s Child Development and Care (CDC) Scholarship Payment Structure Changes

Join Public Policy Associates (PPA) on Sept. 30, 2025, 11:00 a.m. ET for insights from its study of the Child Development and Care Scholarship Program in Michigan! This project is conducted in partnership with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) with a grant from the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation. PPA will discuss recent results from the effects of temporary payment policies and the administrative burdens experienced by families, providers, and eligibility specialists.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 859 0904 1261

Passcode: 022108

ECIC is Hiring!

Join our team of early childhood advocates! ECIC is currently hiring a Director of External Affairs, a Great Start to Quality Assessor, and a Technical Assistance Consultant. Learn more and apply today.