MI Tri-Share Child Care: A Step Toward Easing the Strain of Childcare Access and Affordability 

One highly debated topic of this day and age is this: why is our birth rate declining? Between online polls, surveys, social media posts and TikTok videos, one answer you expect to hear is almost certain – the lack of access and affordability of childcare. And not only is this cost a concern for employees, but for employers as well. 

In MI Untapped Potential, a report released by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Chamber Foundation, the Grand Rapids Chamber, and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), it was found that Michigan’s economy loses $2.88 billion every year from turnover costs, employee absences, and lost tax revenue related to childcare issues. Many employees have even been forced to leave the workforce entirely because they lack affordable childcare options. This leads to the unfortunate reality for American working families that a parent’s ability to join or remain in the workforce depends heavily on having reliable childcare. 

Recognizing this disparity, Michigan legislators launched a new program a few years ago to address this need. Back in 2021, a new pilot program was introduced to the state called the MI Tri-Share Child Care program. Essentially, this program allows for the cost sharing between employer, employee, and the State of Michigan via a one-third, one-third, one-third payment plan. Because of its success and increasing popularity, Tri-Share has quickly expanded from a pilot to a program that receives funding from the state budget each year. MI Tri-Share has generated national interest and has even become a glimmering example that nine other states have decided to mirror. 

This past summer, the SBAM Advocacy team was contacted by Congresswoman Hillary Scholten’s office as she began crafting a national Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Act. Much like the successful model in Michigan, the bipartisan bill – now cosponsored by Congresswoman Scholten (D) and Congressman John James (R) – would not only establish a federally funded Tri-Share program but also expand the eligibility threshold for Michigan parents. 

Working closely with both congressional offices, as well as with MiLEAP, which administers the program at the state level, the SBAM Advocacy team focused on ensuring that Michigan parents, employers, and employees have every possible opportunity to benefit from this innovative childcare solution. We understand this is not a silver bullet that will fix all things childcare. As waitlists continue to increase for childcare facilities, additional providers are essential to fill areas with childcare deserts. Overall, childcare is a complex and diverse industry – it’s going to require the sum of many parts to be fixed, but this is a step in the right direction. 

Kelli Saunders, SBAM’s Vice President of Policy and Engagement, and I recently attended a roundtable with Congresswoman Scholten’s office, where we engaged in conversations that highlighted both the benefits and concerns that are mentioned above. The Congresswoman was very receptive and is committed to ongoing conversations to ensure the rollout of this program caters to the needs of Michiganders first and foremost, and for childcare providers, employers, and employees alike. 

In the end, MI Tri-Share Child Care represents a meaningful step toward addressing one of the most troublesome barriers facing today’s workforce. While it cannot resolve every challenge tied to childcare access and affordability, it has already demonstrated its power to ease financial strain on families, while supporting employers and strengthening Michigan’s economy. Continued engagement from policymakers and collaboration with providers, employers, and advocacy groups will be essential to refine and expand the model. As these conversations move forward, one thing remains clear: when we invest in childcare, we invest in stronger families, more stable businesses, a resilient workforce, and a more resilient future for our state and nation. 

By Francesca Rocco-Ellis, SBAM’s Grassroots Coordinator and Policy Advisor; originally published in SBAM’s March/April 2026 issue of  FOCUS  magazine.

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