Array of testimony underscores benefits of proposed child care improvements and cost-sharing to kids, parents, providers, and businesses
LANSING, Mich. (March 10, 2026) — Today, the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee, chaired by Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), held a hearing on Senate Bills 310–313, Senate Democrats’ legislation to cut high child care costs in Michigan and better serve child care providers.
“The rising costs of raising children has created an overwhelming burden on families,” said Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), sponsor of Senate Bill 310. “As the mom of a young daughter myself, I know what parents are going through — balancing it all with so much economic uncertainty — and we don’t have a minute to wait. It’s time we build our societal infrastructure to lower costs for families so you can focus less on worrying and more on parenting. This legislation is about giving families the support you need by tackling your most urgent issues — shrinking budgets, lack of child care, and rising rates of childhood poverty.”
“Michigan’s child care crisis drains billions from our economy each year and forces families out of the workforce. It is pushing underpaid child care workers out of their jobs. It’s clear that the system is broken from all angles, and it requires a comprehensive solution now, before even more families are faced with impossible decisions,” said Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), sponsor of Senate Bill 311. “This package focuses on what matters most: quality care for our kids, consistency for our providers, and support for our families so they can afford to stay in their jobs. It’s a win for our communities, and it’s a win for our economy.”
The bills would make child care more affordable for families and more sustainable for child care professionals and entrepreneurs by:
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Codifying the innovative bipartisan program, Tri-Share, that splits the cost of child care equally among employers, the state, and employees;
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Tying the Child Care Reimbursement Rate to inflation to provide certainty and consistency to providers; and
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Updating licensing requirements for child care centers and removing burdensome barriers to opening and operating centers.
“Codifying safe, accessible, and affordable child care programming empowers parents to advance their careers and equips our next generation with the critical support they need in childhood,” said Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), sponsor of Senate Bill 312. “Supporting our hardworking Michigan families is crucial amid rising costs. Taking action to provide tangible relief on trusted, reliable child care services — one of the most significant household expenses — is common sense. I am incredibly proud to see this legislation advance.”
“Affordable, accessible child care continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing parents and employers in all corners of our state. While the high cost of care prices families out, our child care providers face unnecessary, burdensome barriers to opening or expanding, which only drives up costs even more,” said Sen. Sarah Anthony, sponsor of Senate Bill 313. “Addressing Michigan’s child care crisis requires more than one fix, and this package does just that — taking a comprehensive approach that tackles costs, improves access, and cuts red tape all at once.”
These bills build on the success of the Tri-Share program and address other longstanding requests by child care providers to make their jobs easier and more stable. At today’s hearing, additional testimony in support of the bills was provided by employers, parents, and child care providers and advocates, including Michigan’s Children, the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District Educational Service Center (a current Tri-Share participant), and more.
To watch a recording of today’s hearing, click here.
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