KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Discussions continue on whether to ask Kalamazoo voters for more tax money to subsidize daycare for young families.
Kalamazoo County commission chair Jen Strebs says talks are ongoing with the Michigan Transformation Collective over the idea.
She says Kalamazoo is a federally recognized childcare desert, with some families spending more on daycare than they should be on housing. Even if they can afford it, 85% of local families have trouble finding a slot.
“That is really a systemic failure that’s occurring and we have to consider if we have a role collectively to solve, and so one way is to put this proposal before the voters of the county,” says Strebs.
She adds they have to determine if it’s possible to open more childcare facilities and subsidize the cost for parents, while raising the salary of the workers who provide the service.
“I mean what would it look like for childcare workers to make a living wage? That would take significant resourcing that we won’t be able to meet, but I do want us to understand how large the hole is.”
Right now the Michigan Transformation Collective is shooting for an August vote, if the county board agrees to but the millage request on the ballot. It’s still being discussed.
There are some state programs that could be tapped if the county agrees to put up some of the money, but that would also require a buy-in by employers.
The county already has several other extra-voted millages in place to support veterans, seniors, law enforcement, education, Metro Transit and to address affordable housing.
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