The Early Childhood Investment Corporation is closely monitoring Michigan’s state budget process. The following statement is from ECIC Chief Executive Officer Alicia Guevara following today’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference:
“Budget constraints don’t change the math on early childhood, but make it more urgent. When state revenues are tight, the question isn’t whether Michigan can afford to invest in its youngest children. It’s whether Michigan can afford not to. High-quality early childhood programs return at least $7 for every dollar invested, a track record that few government expenditures can match.
“The case is straightforward: early childhood programs lay the foundation for literacy, strengthen school readiness, keep parents connected to the workforce, and reduce the downstream costs of corrective interventions and lost economic productivity. These aren’t just social goods; they are long-term fiscal savings that compound over time.
“Today’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference notes a needed $88.1 million increase for Child Development and Care (CDC) scholarships from the FY 2025-26 current law due to increased caseloads as more working Michigan families need support with the cost of child care. This aligns with new MiLEAP data indicating that, for the first time ever, families in every Michigan county are accessing the scholarship to afford high-quality early learning experiences for their young children. This increased investment is critical to ensuring working families can stay in the workforce and continue to contribute to Michigan’s economic growth.
“As lawmakers work through difficult budget choices this spring, we encourage them to look closely at the evidence. Stable, sustained investment in the prenatal-to-three window, including early care and education, isn’t a luxury — it’s one of the most cost-effective commitments Michigan can make. The children, families, and businesses of this state are counting on that commitment today, and for decades to come.”