Michigan’s Innovative Childcare Program May Shape Future Federal Policies
Michigan’s innovative approach to childcare funding, known as the MI Tri-Share program, is gaining attention as a potential model for nationwide implementation. By sharing childcare costs among the state, eligible families, and employers, the program aims to create a sustainable support system for working parents.
Launched as a pilot in 2021, the program has shown promising results, according to Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI 3). Together with Republican Representative John James (R-MI 10), Scholten has introduced legislation to expand this model nationally, providing federal funds to states willing to adopt similar programs.
“By diffusing the cost over three participants and payers, you create a more stable model that we hope will have long-term staying power and parents, employers, and, again, the state can rely on it,” Scholten stated during a recent event in Grand Rapids, highlighting the potential benefits of such an approach.
The Tri-Share program’s potential to address the critical need for affordable childcare was emphasized by Chana Edmond-Verley, CEO of Vibrant Futures, at a press conference. “This national Tri-Share legislation is strategic. It’s catalytic, you guys, and it’s a breakthrough driver in economic development for all of us achieving shared prosperity,” she said.
Although the program’s adoption in Michigan has been gradual, participation is increasing. Recent state evaluations reveal that by March, 550 employees were enrolled, nearly doubling the previous year’s numbers. One challenge noted was the limited number of participating employers.
Scholten emphasized the potential incentives for employers, should the bill pass. “Access to affordable and high-quality childcare is a No. 1 barrier cited to a lot of working parents thinking about getting back into the workforce after having a child, and so employers are going to want to participate because it’s going to give them access to a workforce pool that they didn’t have access to before,” she explained.
Besides Michigan, states like Kentucky, Indiana, and North Carolina have explored similar Tri-Share initiatives. The proposed federal legislation would allocate $250 million annually for three years to support these programs. States could receive up to $20 million, determined by various criteria, to pilot the initiative on a federal level.
