Skaggs Highlights Governor’s Commitment to Universal Pre-K, Calls for Continued Action on Affordable Child Care
State Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) stands with guest Justin Robbins, East Kentwood teacher and coach of the We the People team, at the State of the State address on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 on the House Floor at the Capitol Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 26, 2026 — Following Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State address, state Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) commended the governor’s commitment to universal pre-K as part of a broader effort to make child care more accessible and affordable for Michigan families.
“Universal pre-K is an important step forward, but our work cannot stop there. We must focus on pro-family, pro-child and pro-growth policies,” Skaggs said. “For many families, the cost of child care remains one of the biggest financial pressures they face.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer emphasized expanding access to pre-K, the Great Start Readiness Program, and the Caring for MI Future and programs to invest in the child care workforce.
Across Michigan, families often spend thousands of dollars each year on child care. In many cases, those costs rival a mortgage payment or college tuition. Skaggs made the point that reality forces too many parents to delay career advancement, reduce hours or reconsider whether they can afford to start or grow their family.
“Child care should not be a barrier between Michiganders and starting a family,” Skaggs continued. “If we want to grow our state and support working parents, we have to make sure safe, high quality, reliable child care is within reach.”
Skaggs called on lawmakers from both parties to continue working toward solutions that lower costs for families, strengthen support for child care providers and expand options in communities that currently lack sufficient capacity.
“When we make child care more affordable, prepare children for kindergarten and get them ready to read, we strengthen families, support small businesses and grow our economy,” Skaggs said. “We have made progress. Now we need to keep diligently moving forward.”
Skaggs reaffirmed his commitment to policies that help Michigan families succeed and ensure that cost is never the deciding factor in whether someone feels ready to welcome a child.
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