Lt. Gov promotes expanded childcare, free Pre-K

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist stumped in Lansing for a key 2024-2025 budget proposal: expanding childcare offerings and free pre-K for all students.

Both were key proposals in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s budget proposal rolled out Feb. 7. Gilchrist visited Helping Hands Christian Learning Center, 2727 W. Holmes Rd., to talk about the importance of the proposals.

While there, Gilchrist held babies, read children books, and visited with staff.

Under Whitmer’s proposal, a 3-year pilot program would expand childcare options for working families by providing free childcare options. The proposal would see millions of dollars in expanding availability for childcare, increased payments for children in care centers and more money to assist in transporting kids.

Under her pre-K proposal, every Michigan 4-year-old would have an opportunity to attend a pre-K program. Starting at age 4 is two years before most kids are in school and will save families on average $10,000 a year, the Governor’s Office says.

The funding would result in increased capacity at childcare centers, more people employed in the child care industry, improved facilities and more.

Free pre-K helps build a strong educational foundation, Gilchrist says. The programming would also improve literacy for younger Michiganders.

“I have twins who are now 10 and my baby girl is 4,” he says. “So, you know a year ago this time, she was in a childcare facility. And you can tell the moment you step into a place whether kids are loved and feel safe. And that was what I felt when I walked into the first classroom here at Helping Hands. And so, it is reassuring to me to know that families in this community have this.”

Whitmer proposed the expansion of universal pre-K be implemented by 2027. The administration says the plan is already two years ahead of schedule.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.