Jametta Lilly, President and CEO, Detroit Parent Network
Governor Whitmer proposed a caregiver’s tax credit for Michigan families in her 2024 State of the State Address. Often times when we think of caregivers, we assume that the conversation is focused on those caring for an elderly family member or an adult family member with a disability that leaves them unable to fully care for themselves. As someone that has spent my entire career working to ensure children have champions in their lives and a community that sets them up for success, I’m delighted that the state’s top leader is focused on equity and also assisting families that care for children with disabilities who may need the extra support.
I currently serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Parent Network (DPN). We are an organization made up of parents working to build and engage parents across the state and others to ensure every child has a champion. DPN also educates, equips and empowers parents to be advocates in schools and communities. We also believe that parents are the driving force behind ensuring children have the conditions to thrive.
Throughout my career, I have always understood that the only way that we can really help children is by supporting and empowering parents and families. Children grow up in the context of a family, families grow up in the context of their neighborhood, and that neighborhood grows up in the broader society. When we cultivate a caring, equitable society and state that supports families with the tools they need to take care of one another from birth, we all benefit! That is what the Caring for MI Families Tax Credit will do.
This tax credit that Governor Whitmer is proposing will put up to $5,000 back into Michiganders’ pockets. It will cover expenses like home modifications and counseling. In Michigan, more than three in four family caregivers incur expenses for caregiving, spending an average of $7,000 a year. This money can do a lot for a new parent and their family – it can pay for groceries, diapers, clothing, or formula. And it can be a much-needed financial cushion, for parents that often have to take time from their jobs to care for a new baby. When caregivers have to take off from work, it negatively affects them and our state’s economy.
This tax credit would be yet another example in the long list of investments from the state in children and families. Governor Whitmer has increased subsidy rates for childcare to give families more options that best fit their needs and made investments that allow many more Michigan families to be eligible for free or low-cost child care. She’s also expanded access to affordable higher education, making it easier for people to choose a career serving children and families. And last year, she worked with Democratic state legislators to quintuple the Working Families Tax Credit – families will start seeing those $550 checks in February. I’m excited to see that after years full of work supporting young families, Governor Whitmer is still finding new ways to provide relief for them.
Throughout the 20-year history of the Detroit Parent Network, we have provided support for all kinds of caregivers and policies that help provide the quality of life our children and caregivers deserve. I’m glad that we have a partner in our state leaders. The governor’s proposal is only a first step in this, and I look forward to our state leaders working to get this over the finish line.
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