This week, the Michigan Senate voted to codify the Tri-Share program, which aims to make childcare more affordable for families and more sustainable for childcare professionals.
Key Points:
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- Senate Bills 310 – 313 were introduced by Senators Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), and Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing)
- It would codify the bipartisan program, Tri-Share, that splits the cost of childcare equally among employers, the state, and employees.
- It ties the childcare reimbursement rate to inflation to provide certainty and consistency to providers.
- The plan updates licensing requirements for childcare centers and removes burdensome barriers to opening and operating centers.
“Michigan’s childcare crisis has put a strain on families, employers, and providers alike,” said SenatorAnthony. “By lowering the cost of childcare and reducing bureaucratic barriers for providers, we are tackling this issue head-on, delivering crucial support to strengthen a system that Michigan families and economy depend on.”
The bill package was referred to the House Families and Veterans Affairs Committee for consideration.
