The Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) and the Think Babies Michigan coalition are gathering information from candidates seeking public office in Michigan about their perspectives on early childhood policy. Our goal is education, not endorsement. ECIC does not endorse, oppose, or rate candidates for public office.
We are collecting responses so that families, early childhood service providers, and community members across Michigan can better understand how candidates think about the needs of children from birth through age five and the families and professionals who care for them. Responses from candidates are published as received, without editing or commentary. Candidates have agreed that their responses may be reproduced and attributed to them in ECIC and Think Babies Michigan communications, including newsletters, social media, websites, and materials shared with coalition partners.
The following responses are from Edwin Dean, Republican candidate for Michigan House of Representatives District 103.
What do you see as the most pressing early childhood challenge facing the district or communities you seek to represent?
The biggest issue I see is the cost of childcare and the burdensome regulations that stress a low margin industry.
Michigan families in many parts of the state live in areas with far fewer licensed child care slots than there are children who need them, and the shortage is most severe for infants and toddlers. What is your view of this issue, and what approaches would you consider if elected?
I will make it so that mothers and business owners aren’t burdened with regulations that don’t protect the child. I want application and adherece to the law to be as easy and afforable as possible.
What is your perspective on the cost of child care for Michigan families, and on the tools available to state or federal policymakers to address affordability?
I believe child care costs are too high due to a buracractic government. Every mother and child care business owner tell me the administrative costs are high due to slow and disorganized government.
Early childhood educators are among the lowest paid workers in Michigan, and turnover in the field is high. How do you think about compensation, benefits, and working conditions in this profession?
I know for a fact that business owners want to attract and keep the best childhood educators. High turnover hurts costs and affects the childrens. If business owners were allowed more leeway to protect and nuture the child, they would have more money and resources for straffing.
Michigan has dedicated funding for many critical services, but nothing specifically focused on the needs of families with young children. Advocates have proposed a dedicated, sustainable state revenue stream for early childhood, separate from the annual general fund appropriations process. What is your perspective on that idea?
While injecting money into a broken system can provide temporary relief, I believe solving the root cause is paramount to survey the economic landscape then decide if state funding should be considered.
If you were setting priorities within a constrained early childhood budget, what would you prioritize first, and why?
Fix the system. Every early childhood advocate has told me their number one issue is dealing with a slow, irrational government system. They feel like the government isn’t on their side. We need to uproot the old environment and make it current and efficient.
Michigan has made significant strides to promote maternal and infant health, though federal policy changes put many of these programs at risk. How would you work to preserve and expand access to important programs that promote maternal and infant health including Medicaid?
I believe we should protect Medicaid and other proven programs that support pregnant women, new mothers, and infants, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. I would prioritize prenatal and postpartum care, rural healthcare access, and programs that reduce maternal and infant mortality while cutting waste and giving Michigan more flexibility to meet the needs of its families.
Think Babies supports more funding for programs that support nurturing relationships and well-being for babies and caregivers — like home visiting, consultation, and intervention services —to help address and prevent stress and trauma before they become a crisis. How familiar are you with these kinds of programs, and would you support increased funding for them if elected?
I am not familiar, but I would support increased funding for programs that demonstrate strong results, accountability, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars, especially when they help families become healthier and more self-sufficient.
The Early On Coalition — which is part of Think Babies — has advocated for increased funding to support families with infants and toddlers who have disabilities and developmental delays to make sure they get the individualized early intervention services they are entitled to. What is your perspective on increasing funding for Early On?
I’ve heard this is a problem. I don’t have an in depth knowledge on the current landscape; however, constituents believe more funding is the answer.
If elected, how would you gather input from parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals in your district when making decisions that affect them?
I would host office hours, meet with local childhood educators as well as personally knock on their doors. I’ve kept record of all the families whom I’m spoke too and would reach out to them and the community to find the answer.
Is there anything else you would like Michigan families, early childhood professionals, and advocates to know about your approach to young children and their families?
I believe Michigan families are struggling and leaving Michigan for more affordable states. I’d like them to know I will not only tell them I care but show them I will effect change.
Are there early childhood issues you believe are being overlooked in the current policy conversation in Michigan?
I know the government can do a much better job than it’s currently doing. Funding may be an answer, but we need to fix the system before making that assessment.