What: Kent County Commission Vote on childcare funding
When: Thursday, February 22nd at 8:00am. Meet in the County Building lobby on Calder Plaza level at 8:00am. Commission Meeting begins at 8:30am, third floor meeting room
Where: Kent County Administration Building, 300 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Michigan (on Calder Plaza, across from courthouse)
Parking – There is a parking ramp that charges $2 an hour under the county building, with entrances on Monroe Ave. and Ottawa Avenue. This is the easiest option. There is some street parking around the County building, and it may be filled.
Why: Together West Michigan is calling on the County Commission to let voters increase the county’s millage for early childhood care and education. The Commission will make that decision this Thursday.
The need is great. One study reveals an estimated shortage of 20,500 childcare openings for the babies and young children of workers in Kent County. And a survey shows that 77% of county voters would approve increasing the current Ready by Five millage.
Learn more here.
See this story published by Crain’s Grand Rapids that describes the arguments that proponents and opponents of an increase are making.