LANSING, Mich. — The following statement can be attributed to Alicia Guevara, CEO of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, on Governor Whitmer’s FY 2027 budget proposal:
“Governor Whitmer’s FY 2027 budget proposal is an important first step in her final budget process, and while it includes priorities that matter to families with young children, we believe it could go further with investments beginning at birth.
“At a time when families are feeling stretched, and economic uncertainty is real, it’s critical that lawmakers focus on investments that make everyday life more affordable and set children up for long-term success. There is no investment with a stronger or more proven return than early childhood. Every dollar invested in high-quality early learning and child care returns at least seven dollars over time by helping parents stay in the workforce, improving children’s outcomes, strengthening health, and reducing costly problems later on.
“We’re encouraged to see the governor’s continued focus on early learning, literacy, and family supports. Reading success doesn’t start in third grade; it starts at birth. When children build strong early literacy skills, they are far more likely to graduate high school, earn higher wages, and stay healthier throughout their lives.
“The first five years of life are a one-time window that shapes everything that comes next. Children’s brains grow faster in the early years than at any other time, and when families lack access to reliable child care and early learning, the impact shows up later in school, health care costs, and workforce challenges.
“Early childhood is also a workforce issue. A strong early childhood system helps parents go to work, supports child care professionals and early educators, and builds the foundation of Michigan’s future workforce. But, families can’t do this alone, which is why today’s recommendations are an important first step in crafting a state budget that prioritizes Michigan’s youngest children.
“As lawmakers begin their work on the FY 2027 budget, we urge them to protect and strengthen investments in early childhood, even in a tight budget year. Prioritizing high-quality early learning, early literacy, and family stability is one of the smartest and most responsible choices Michigan can make for our state’s economic and physical long-term health.”