Michigan’s future depends on strong families — but right now, that future is at risk. Michigan families are struggling to keep up with rising costs. When families can’t afford basic necessities like groceries, childcare, housing and healthcare, our workforce, our economy and our communities pay the price.
can’t afford basic expenses.
(Source: The State of ALICE in Michigan, United for ALICE, 2025 Report)
report skipping or reducing meals because there wasn’t enough money.
(Source: Quarterly Insights from American Families, a New Parent Survey, Capita, April 2026)
of voters say rising costs are hitting working families the hardest.
(Source: EPIC-MRA Poll, March 2026)
of their income is spent on infant childcare for single-income families.
(Source: The Childcare Crisis is a Labor Crisis, Policy Equity Group and Pulse, 2025)
of voters believe Michigan is not doing enough to support families and should do more.
(Source: EPIC-MRA Poll, March 2026)
When we focus on what families need to succeed — good jobs, housing, healthcare and access to affordable, quality care and education for their children — we can create better outcomes for families. By working together, business leaders, policymakers and philanthropic organizations can strengthen our workforce, grow our economy and create lasting opportunities for children and their families across Michigan.
Communities that invest in quality early care and education earn
they invest. Children attending these programs are more likely to succeed in school, and as adults, be employed, have higher earnings and own a home.
(Source: Perry Preschool Study, HighScope Educational Research Foundation, 2024)
By connecting families to financial resources when they most need them, Rx Kids has generated more than
in economic activity, created more than 400 jobs across Michigan, helped families pay their bills, stay in their homes and start their own businesses, as well as created improved health outcomes for moms and babies.
(Source: RX Kids Impact & Dashboard, 2026)
Businesses that offer childcare benefits to employees experience up to a
return on their investment, with fewer employee absences and increased productivity and retention.
(Source: Boston Consulting Group, 2023)
To support families, we have to understand the connected challenges they face.
Partners across business, philanthropy and government have come together to show us what’s at stake for Michigan families — but meeting the moment for our families, our communities and our state requires our continued partnership.
Learn what’s on the line today.
2025 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book & Profiles, Michigan League for Public Policy
Census Fact Sheets, Michigan League for Public Policy
Quarterly Insights from America’s Families: A First Look, 2026
Employer Roadmap, Pulse
The Childcare Crisis is a Labor Crisis, Policy Equity Group and Pulse, 2025
The State of ALICE in Michigan, United for ALICE, 2025 Report
Michigan Must Do More to Support Families Amid Rising Costs, New Poll Says, 2026