Grand Rapids Reporter

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) signed House Bills 5041 through 5048 on June 23, widening access to affordable childcare for families and helping childcare businesses remain open.

According to a press release by the Office of Governor Whitmer, this marks the 859 bipartisan bills signed by Whitmer since she took office.

“Quality, affordable childcare is the backbone of our economy, and I will work with anyone to invest in childcare professionals, businesses, and facilities so parents can go back to work knowing their kids are safe and cared for,” Whitmer said, according to the release. “Last fall, I signed a bipartisan budget that expanded low or no cost childcare to 1 in 3 Michigan families, delivered $1,000 bonuses to 38,000+ childcare professionals in Michigan and helped nearly 6,000 childcare businesses keep their doors open. Today, I am proud to build on those bipartisan efforts with a package of bills that will empower more childcare entrepreneurs and increase the numbers of quality, affordable childcare options for parents in every region of our great state.” 

Rick Baker, president & CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber, issued a public statement after Whitmer signed the legislation.

"Childcare is a top priority for our members, and we appreciate the legislature and Governor taking additional steps to address this issue," Baker said, according to the release. "As we've seen, access to childcare is a critical foundation of our workforce, and we know it's one of the largest barriers to employment. … The Grand Rapids Chamber was proud to support these bills and we look forward to continuing to advance policies that will help increase both supply and access to affordable, quality childcare in Michigan."

HB 5041 allows home-based childcare providers that have a proven record of success to serve more children. HB 5043 increases support for home-based childcare providers by establishing Family Child Care Networks. 

“Childcare is the silent driver of Michigan’s economy, and we are focused on breaking down barriers and expanding access to safe, quality childcare for families,” Director of LARA’s Child Care Licensing Bureau Emily Laidlaw said, according to the release. “Since September 2021, LARA’s Child Care Licensing Bureau has visited a dozen Michigan cities across the state and talked to over 700 people about expanding or starting their own childcare business. These bills help us continue to cut red tape and expand access to care -- while keeping safety for kids front and center."

According to the release, HB 5041 was sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley (R-Lake Ann) and HB 5043 was sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, (D-Novi).