|
|
|
|
State Legislature Passes FY 21 Budget
Earlier this week the state legislature passed the FY 21 budget with the governor set to sign it in the coming days. While there will be more highlights and analysis of the budget's impacts on our most vulnerable children, youth and families, here are a few highlights of what's included in the FY 21 budget:
- $26 million to expand access to child care for families by increasing the income eligibility from 130% to 150% of the federal poverty level
- $30 million for Michigan Reconnect – which allows any Michigander over age 25 without a college degree to earn one, tuition-free
- Reinstatement of some critical programs previously vetoed, including support for Court Appointed Special Advocates; supports for adoptive, foster and kin families; and increased funding for services for homeless youth
|
|
Still Time to Fill Out the Census
A federal court has ordered that the 2020 census schedule be extended through October 31. In July the administration abruptly announced that census operations would end by September 30, a month earlier than initially anticipated. Several bills with bipartisan support have been introduced that would extend the census reporting deadline but none have passed. The court’s ruling allows at least another month to ensure a fair and accurate count and that historically hard to count populations are represented.
Despite the conversations about extension and appeals, it is important that you are making sure that you've filled out the Census, and are helping those you work with do the same right now.
If you or others you know have not yet completed their household's census please take a few minutes to complete and submit your 2020 Census here.
For more information on the 2020 census schedule extension, take a look at this NPR article.
|
|
Investment in Adult Learners and Workers
Earlier this month, Governor Whitmer announced the Futures for Frontliners (Futures) program to provide tuition free access to community college for Michiganders without high school credentials and college degrees who have worked in frontline jobs in essential industries during the COVID-19 pandemic. More exciting is that Futures includes resources to support workers without a high school credential as well as those looking for a post-secondary credential, acknowledging the importance of supporting lower skilled adults as well.
Patrick Brown of MACAE and Michigan's Children, contributed to our staff blog this week highlighting the real impacts and opportunities for many Michigan families and adult learners.
For more information on Futures for Frontliners, please click here.
|
|
Learnings and Next Steps from the
MNYF Summit Story
Last month, Michigan's Children collaborated with MNYF to host their annual youth advocacy summit, virtually, and while the format was quite different this year, we were proud to take part in an event where youth engaged directly with policymakers on changes they want to see right in their own communities.
Teri Banas of Michigan's Children was not only a panelist during the summit, but also wrote a story that captures how it all came together and the impacts youth participants and others took away from the event this year. Read Teri's story here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
