LANSING, Mich. (May 20, 2026) — To help combat the affordability crisis facing residents statewide, today, Senate Democrats passed a bold bill package to lower the cost of childcare for Michigan parents and improve support for childcare providers.
“For over a decade now, I’ve pushed hard to fund and expand the state’s bipartisan Tri-Share program — an innovative approach that splits the cost of childcare three ways and was first piloted in my district,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “As childcare costs continue to strain Michigan families and their budgets, we need solutions that better support providers, kids, and working parents — and Tri-Share delivers. This is a major win that will help ensure Michigan families can access the quality, affordable childcare they need and deserve.”
“Today is a great day for Michigan families,” said Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), sponsor of Senate Bill 310. “Parents are exhausted by the constant juggling act: how do I afford childcare, keep my job, and still be present for my kids? I hear it every single day. The Tri-Share program answers that by splitting the cost three ways between parents, employers, and the state, giving more businesses the ability to offer childcare as a benefit and more families the ability to afford it. It works. Passing this out of the full Senate today brings us one step closer to making Tri-Share a permanent, reliable resource for families across Michigan, because when parents can afford care, we’re not just helping working families, we’re investing in the next generation of Michiganders.”
“We’ve heard loud and clear — Michigan families need lower costs, and childcare providers need certainty and stability,” said Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), sponsor of Senate Bill 311. “That’s what our bills that passed the Senate today seek to do by addressing the childcare crisis from both the demand and supply side. And, we’re ensuring that providers will be able to rely on sustainable support into the future by tying the childcare reimbursement rate to inflation. It’s a thoughtful solution to a serious issue, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Senate Bills 310–313 would make childcare more affordable for families and more sustainable for childcare professionals and entrepreneurs by:
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Codifying the innovative bipartisan program, Tri-Share, that splits the cost of childcare equally among employers, the state, and employees;
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Tying the Childcare Reimbursement Rate to inflation to provide certainty and consistency to providers; and
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Updating licensing requirements for childcare centers and removing burdensome barriers to opening and operating centers.
“I am incredibly grateful for our hardworking Michigan families and dedicated childcare providers — showing up for them both is crucial now more than ever amid the childcare crisis and rising costs all around,” said Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), sponsor of Senate Bill 312. “This legislation is a major win to open doors for childcare providers, who keep our kids safe and help us balance career and family responsibilities.”
“Michigan’s childcare crisis has put a strain on families, employers, and providers alike,” said Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), sponsor of Senate Bill 313. “By lowering the cost of childcare and reducing bureaucratic barriers for providers, we are tackling this issue head-on, delivering crucial support to strengthen a system that Michigan families and economy depend on.”
This legislation is part of Michigan Senate Democrats’ broader A Michigan You Can Afford agenda. The proposal includes plans to make groceries, gas, and other household needs more affordable, cut utility bills, lower healthcare costs, and more. It now heads to the House for consideration.