Statewide Womens Economic Recovery Tour Begins

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
March 21, 2022 
Contact: Press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Celebrates Women’s History Month by Kicking Off Statewide Women’s Economic Recovery Tour

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Women’s Commission kicked off the Women’s Economic Recovery Tour to celebrate progress and highlight Michigan’s investments in opportunities for women to thrive in our workforce, communities and families.

"Each and every day, women across Michigan step up in incredible ways to get things done and move our state forward," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “But we have a long way to go to create an even playing field for women. That's why we must work together to create better opportunities for women and build an economy that supports them and their families. I'm proud of what women in Michigan have accomplished, and I'll keep working with anyone to create even more progress for women. I will keep working to invest in the issues that matter most to working families and foster greater economic opportunity for women in every field."

Michigan Women’s Commission Chair Muna Jondy talked with Governor Whitmer about the status of women in Michigan’s economy and how the administration is putting money back in our pockets. 

“Michigan women continue to break barriers, shatter ceilings, build ladders, connect bridges, and make history in seen and unseen ways every single day,” said Muna Jondy. “We need to continue investing in Michigan women who bring profound diversity of lived experiences and expertise to all aspects of civic, economic, cultural and social development throughout our state.”

Governor Whitmer highlighted her key economic support efforts for Michigan women:

• Kept childcare businesses open and care affordable for families by signing a record $1.4 billion investment in federal childcare funding.

• Expanded access to low or no-cost childcare for 112,000 more working families earning less than $49,025 for a family of four.
• Launched the MI Child Care Tri-Share pilot in 59 counties to share the cost of care between employees, employers, and the state.

• Expanded access to childcare statewide by keeping childcare open and helping programs expand to communities without enough childcare. Expanded low or no-cost childcare to 105,000 more kids.

• Expanded access to free preschool for 22,000 more four-year-olds through the high-quality, homegrown Great Start Readiness Program.
• Signed a package of bills to repeal the tax on essential menstrual products, including tampons.
• Directed the Michigan Women’s Commission to focus on building greater economic security for women and achieving gender equity.
• Awarded grants to community-based organizations to help women workers understand and exercise their rights and benefits in the workplace.

MWC’s Women’s Economic Recovery Tour is a year-long effort to connect more Michigan women to new economic opportunities. Sign up for emails updates to learn more about up-coming events throughout the state in 2022 here.

View the recorded virtual event here.

View the full list of Governor Whitmer’s accomplishments delivering for women across Michigan.

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