What Michigan’s Budget Means for Young Children and Their Families 

Michigan’s budget for fiscal year (FY) 2025 passed the House and Senate early Thursday, June 27. Totaling $82.5 billion with immediate effect, the budget provides funding to address the critical needs of young children and families in Michigan, including child care, preschool, home visiting, maternal and infant health programs, and more. The budget bills now await review and signature from the Governor.   

Following significant response to language passed in the House to fund Governor Whitmer’s Pre-K for All initiative, the final budget maintained existing requirements for the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) funding to be allocated to community-based organizations. Thanks to advocates like you, ensuring children have access to a mixed delivery system across the state that meets their unique needs. 

Additional significant budget items that affect other early childhood priorities can be found below. 

State Policy

Momnibus, championed by Senator Geiss, heard in Committee 

According to the Michigan Maternal Mortality Surveillance program, there are 80 to 90 maternal deaths in Michigan per year. Nearly 64% of these deaths could be avoided with proper care, support, and resources. A package of bills known as the “Momnibus” seeks to create equity and increase accountability for maternal health outcomes in Michigan. This package aims to improve equity and accountability in maternal healthcare services in Michigan. Review maternal bills in the ECIC Early Childhood Bill Tracker.

Federal Policy

Request for Information - Early Educator Public Service Loan Forgiveness RFI 

The U.S. Department of Education (the Department) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to help the Department better understand the operational aspects of potentially expanding Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for workers in early childhood education (ECE) settings. Add your comments to support the understanding of potential loan forgiveness to ECE professionals.

Early Childhood Advocates' Corner

Early Morning Votes Send Maternal Bills to the Senate 

Ahead of the Michigan Legislature’s July recess, the Michigan House of Representatives passed several bills designed to improve maternal health. The bills aim to increase birthing persons' access to postpartum mental health screenings, maintain the state's Perinatal Quality Collaborative, mandate insurance coverage of home blood pressure monitors for pregnant and postpartum mothers, among other things, establish standards and guidelines for prenatal care services under Medicaid and more. These bills will now move to the state Senate.

For more information about HB 4728, HB 5027, and HB 5166-5173, see ECIC's Early Childhood Bill Tracker.

KIDS COUNT Data Released 

Michigan is making strides in child health, ranking 22nd in the nation, however the state continues to face educational challenges, with Michigan declining in national rank due to increasing absenteeism, reduced preschool enrollment, lower reading and math scores, and lower on-time graduation rates. This year’s Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual KIDS COUNT report is now available.

Think Babies Michigan Parent Leader Spotlight

Meet Jaimie Estep

Having the courage to change your own life isn’t easy for anyone. Finding courage to change your family’s life can be even harder, and advocating for change for other people’s lives can be an even bigger challenge. But Jaimie Estep is up for the challenge. She embraces her truth and carries it into the world to create positive change.

Get Involved: In the Community

Family Child Care Network Roundtable

Child care organizations, partners, and home-based child care business owners: join us on Tuesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. ET! 

ECIC is proud to host a virtual roundtable highlighting the impact stories and emerging data from the first year of the Family Child Care Networks (FCCN) pilot in Michigan. Join us to hear from home-based child care business owners and Network Hubs about how FCCNs have strengthened provider leadership, supported ongoing quality practices, and enhanced business sustainability of home-based child care across Michigan. 

MiAEYC Infant Toddler Conference 

MiAEYC’s Infant Toddler Conference will be held November 15 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Detroit in Dearborn, Michigan. MiAEYC is requesting proposals for Conference Presenters, Exhibitors, and Sponsors. 

MDHHS Virtual Baby Fairs 

New and expecting parents are invited to join Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at an upcoming virtual baby fair! Tuesday, July 23, at 6-8 p.m. ET, families will have opportunities to learn about available resources, important health and safety information, and ask questions directly to program experts at each baby fair.