The Grand Rapids Chamber has prioritized child care as both a strategy to support early childhood outcomes and help Michiganders overcome obstacles to participate in the workforce. “We are thrilled to see a substantially increased investment in our child care industry. We know that our economic success is reliant on our child care providers who have continued to step up to provide a safe environment for our children,” says Alexa Kramer, Director of Government Affairs.
Governor Whitmer’s FY 2022 budget recommendations include $370M that will temporarily increase the income eligibility threshold from 150% to 200% and temporarily waive out-of-pocket copays through the fiscal year 2022. Additionally, there is a 10 percent increase in hourly rates for our child care providers.
The Governor’s recommendation also includes $2.2M for the tri-share pilot program, an innovative pilot developed by a coalition led by the Grand Rapids Chamber. “We applaud the Governor for her continued dedication to our child care industry and appreciate the continued backing of the nation-leading tri-share pilot program. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with the coalition, the Governor’s office, and other key stakeholders to make Michigan a leader in child care policy and innovation.”
Click here (PDF) to view the RFP and apply to be a pilot region.
# # #
About the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce leads the business community in creating a dynamic, top-of-mind West Michigan region. Together with over 2,500 member businesses (80% of which are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees), we work to expand the influence, access, and information required to actively encourage entrepreneurial growth and community leadership. We offer the connections, resources, and insights needed to develop strong leaders, engage a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive and welcoming community, and advance a vibrant business environment that nurtures economic prosperity for all. Learn more at www.grandrapids.org
