What demands do workers have? Topping the list is affordable childcare. Cuz you can't work if no one watches the babies, right? Unfortunately, Michigan is struggling with a shortage of adequate childcare.
Here's Five Fast Facts about Michigan's Childcare Crisis …… :
- 🧮 By the numbers - Childcare is harder to find than sanity on a news site comment section. In fact, in 2021, the number of licensed childcare providers in Michigan dropped by 735 in one year! Today there are more kids on waitlists for childcare than there are open spots.
- 👩 What it means for the ladies - Look, we're all pro gender equality here. There's no reason Dad can't stay home with the kids. But historically speaking, it is the Moms who do it most often. And during the pandemic, it really showed – more than 136,000 Michigan women left the workforce because of a lack of childcare.
- 💰 Roll out the cash - If there's one thing politicians are good at, it's throwing money at a problem. In this case, state lawmakers have directed $1.4 billion of federal relief funds to help stabilize the childcare industry. But because this was a problem before Big Rona hit the stage, that money isn't going to do much long-term. It's really just a one-time bandaid.
- 🍁 Watch out for the Canadians, eh - If Michigan can't fix its childcare issues, we may be letting wolves in the front door. Canada's top diplomat said his country is ready to woo our tech and auto workers away with a shiny new government-subsidized childcare system. Understandably, some are choosing to cross the river - and they ain't headed to Grandmother's house.
- 🥞 Outside the babysitting box - So, short of trading in your Faygo for Maple Syrup, what can be done? Government subsidies aren't the only answer. Maybe it's time to look at returning to multi-generational homes. Or (free) Universal Preschool.
🔥Bottom line: Michiganders want to work. And if childcare is a barrier to getting more folks back to work, then we need to get more creative in solving this problem. Cash is good, but a multi-pronged approach would be better. In the meantime, you might want to get started turning the garage into an in-law suite.
Have you struggled to find childcare? Let us know by connecting with us on Social Media and be sure to share this newsletter with any friends & coworkers!
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