KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Playing with play-dough and meeting with students, Governor Gretchen Whitmer had a chance to see how Kalamazoo RESA’s Pre-K Head Start Program helps young children around the community.
During her visit on Monday she explained how early education programs are “a gem in this community” and something that she wants to expand in the state through her budget she wrote 6-months ago.
Whitmer adds that their current budget negotiations will make sure that education is at the forefront, while road funding will be put on the back burner for the time being as they continue their talks.
After agreeing to pass a budget without a long-term road funding plan earlier that morning, the governor explained that she believes some lawmakers actually want a government shutdown.
She adds that some people are only doing political calculations and think they should force a shut down. “It’s not a political issue, it’s about doing the right thing on behalf of the people that we all serve. It’s hard to be the adult in the room…it’s not fun sometimes,” says Whitmer.
Director of Preschool Programs Rachel Roberts says Head Start is at no or low cost for eligible families around Kalamazoo, but the budget delay is hurting other similar Pre-K programs across the state because some may not be able to start in time. This forces parents to scramble, looking for other childcare services, making it a major detriment to children in preparing them for kindergarten.
Overall, the legislature must pass a budget by October 1st to avoid a state government shutdown.
