Representative Markkanen Hopes To Increase Child Care Opportunities In The U.P.

Representative Greg Markkanen has introduced legislation aimed at improving child care access for U.P. families. 

The state has seen a steady decline in the number of in-home child care facilities and Markkanen believes easing restrictions on them will help.

In a press release, Markkanen went on to say “To run a childcare center or an in-home daycare in Michigan, you have to comply with red tape from multiple state departments. My goal is to streamline the process, ease some of the headaches and increase opportunities for providers to expand their businesses so they’re able to stay afloat and serve our communities.”

Markkanen’s bill would ensure child care providers have at least 90 days to implement new requirements issued by the state, allow home and group homes with three years experience and in good standing with the state to increase the number of children they can care for and increasing the number of children allowed before and after school, without it counting against children-provider ratios.

Markkanen also added “In order to work, parents must be able to secure reliable and affordable child care for their children.”

Markkanen’s plan remains under consideration by the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee.