The Michigan Senate passed legislation Wednesday aimed at increasing capacity and transparency at childcare facilities.
Changes in the eight-bill package range from increasing how many kids certain child care homes can watch to making the results of any special investigation publicly accessible.
Republican State Representative Jack O’Malley says it took multiple legislative sessions to get everyone effected by the proposed changes on board:
“Everybody has their stake, but it’s for the greater good. In home daycare is different than center, rural is different than urban, so let’s figure out what works for all to give a little bit on your ground - and people did and that’s why these are finally going to happen.”
O’Malley says the legislation would help spur an increase in childcare providers by giving them more support.
The package passed the Senate with wide bipartisan support.
Supporters say the legislation is necessary to help address widespread shortages of childcare providers across the state.