What's Happening?
Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI 3) and John James (R-MI 10) have introduced a bill to expand the Michigan Tri-Share child care program to a national level. The Tri-Share program, which began as
a pilot in Michigan in 2021, divides the cost of child care among the state, eligible working families, and participating employers. The proposed federal legislation aims to provide states with funding to implement similar programs, with the goal of creating a more stable and accessible child care model. The bill would allocate $250 million annually for three years to support the program's national rollout, with states eligible for up to $20 million based on specific criteria. The initiative is designed to address the significant barrier of child care costs that many working parents face when re-entering the workforce.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the federal Tri-Share child care program is significant as it addresses a critical barrier to workforce participation for many parents: the high cost of child care. By alleviating this financial burden, the program could enable more parents to return to work, thereby expanding the available workforce pool for employers. This could have a positive impact on economic development and shared prosperity, as noted by Chana Edmond-Verley, CEO of Vibrant Futures. The program's expansion could also serve as a model for other states, potentially leading to widespread adoption and a more uniform approach to child care affordability across the country. The initiative reflects a bipartisan effort to enhance the social safety net and support working families.
What's Next?
If the bill is passed, the federal government will pilot the Tri-Share program for three years, providing states with the necessary funding to implement and evaluate the program's effectiveness. The success of the program in Michigan, where participation has been steadily increasing, suggests potential for broader adoption. Stakeholders, including employers and community organizations, are likely to play a crucial role in the program's implementation and success. The bill's progress through Congress will be closely watched by advocates of child care reform and economic development.
