Act Today for Child Care Assistance

The end of the month is days away, which means we are also days away from relinquishing over $20 million in federal funds to support child care assistance for low-income working families due to the State’s inability to appropriate $7.5 million in required state matching funds. This is unacceptable considering Michigan consistently ranks at the bottom of states when it comes to our child care subsidy system. Read our op-ed in the Detroit Free Press and then contact Governor Snyder and your legislators today.

Are You Prepared for the Upcoming Elections?

Now is the time to learn about the candidates who will be appearing on your ballot on November 8th. Do you know where they stand on issues important to you, your family and your community? (Not sure your vote even counts? Read Michele’s recent blog on how 17 votes swayed one election in Detroit.) With local candidates, find them pounding the pavement in your neighborhood, at local town hall forums, or just by reaching out and speaking to them. For the Presidential Candidates, be sure to watch the Presidential Debates – the first one will be aired on Monday, September 26th at 9pm ET – and check-out Every Child Matters for profiles on the presidential candidates from the two major political parties.

Thank MI Senators for Co-Sponsoring the Family First Act

The Family First Prevention Services Act, a major bipartisan bill that would strengthen the child welfare system, passed the House and awaits Senate action. Michigan Senators Peters (@SenGaryPeters) and Stabenow (@SenStabenow) have both already co-sponsored this bill. Please reach out to them to thank them for co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation that would improve the lives of vulnerable children and families in Michigan by allowing child welfare dollars to be used for prevention services to keep families together and prevent unnecessary foster care placements. And join us in thanking them for working with their colleagues to hopefully see this bill passed before the end of the year.