The 2025 Michigan Kids Count report, analyzing data from 2018 to 2024, identifies both progress and persistent challenges in child well-being across the state. While 11 out of 19 key indicators show improvement—particularly in health metrics such as reduced infant mortality, increased health coverage, and higher lead testing rates—education and economic security continue to deteriorate. n nReading proficiency among third graders declined by 9.7%, with setbacks observed in 62 counties and no improvement in 10 others. Eighth-grade math proficiency dropped by 18.6% statewide, worsening in 77 counties and stagnant in 3. These trends are partly attributed to insufficient public education funding that has failed to keep pace with inflation. n nEconomic pressures remain significant. Monthly child care costs rose by an average of $261, impacting 77 of Michigan’s 83 counties. Although child poverty decreased by 9%, 17.5% of children still lived in poverty in 2023. Food insecurity increased by 21.8%, affecting 61 counties. n nMonique Stanton, President & CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy, credited past investments in child health for recent gains but warned that proposed federal budget cuts could undermine progress. She urged state lawmakers to protect Medicaid and nutrition programs, stressing that denying children access to food harms their development and academic performance. n nThe report outlines a 12-point pro-kid policy agenda, including fully funding early childhood education, ensuring continuous Medicaid coverage for young children, expanding mental health services in schools, increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit for young adults, adopting universal free community college, enacting paid family and medical leave, and investing in affordable housing. n
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Michigan Kids Count report highlights education and economic challenges
LANSING, Mich,. (WPBN/WGTU) —The 2025 highlights both improvements and setbacks in the well-being of Michigan’s children. n nThe report, which examines data from 2018 to 2024, shows progress in 11 of 19 key areas, particularly in health, but reveals troubling trends in education and economic security. n n“Child health is an area that has been prioritized in the past, and we have seen positive outcomes as a result, including a decline in teen births, more kids with health coverage, a decline in infant mortality and increased lead testing for toddlers,” said Michigan League for Public Policy President & CEO Monique Stanton. “These are all big wins for Michigan kids, but harmful legislation like the federal megabill will undoubtedly set us back, which is why it’s so important that local lawmakers protect Medicaid and other essential health services in the state budget.” n nHowever, Stanton warned that recent federal legislation could reverse these gains, emphasizing the need for state lawmakers to protect Medicaid and other essential health services. n nThe report also highlights worsening educational outcomes, with a 9.7% decline in third-grade reading proficiency, worsening in 62 counties and showing no improvement in 10 counties from 2018 to 2024. n nAlso an 18.6% drop in eighth-grade math proficiency statewide, worsening in 77 counties and showing no improvement in 3 counties from 2019 to 2024. n nPublic funding for education has not kept pace with inflation, contributing to these declines. n nEconomic challenges persist, as the average cost of monthly child care increased by $261, affecting 77 of Michigan’s 83 counties. n nDespite a 9% decline in child poverty rates, 17.5% of Michigan children lived in poverty in 2023, and food insecurity rose by 21.8%. n n“This is a fragile time for Michigan kids and families, especially those with moderate to low incomes. In addition to the harmful cuts to Medicaid, cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are also deeply concerning as food insecurity is on the rise in 61 counties across our state,” said Stanton. “Politics should not be getting in the way of providing nutritious food to children during the most important years of their lives. Stripping food away from them is unconscionable as it will undoubtedly result in worse health outcomes, developmental delays and academic challenges that will put their chances of having a bright future at risk.” n nThe Data Book outlines a pro-kid agenda with 12 policy proposals, including fully funding early childhood education, providing continuous Medicaid coverage for young children, and increasing access to mental health services in schools. n nThe policy proposals in the Data Book’s pro-kid agenda include: n nFully funding the true cost of early childhood care and education, including stronger workforce investments and ensured access and affordability for all families n nProviding continuous Medicaid coverage for young children n nIncreasing access to mental health services in public schools n nFully funding the Opportunity Index for Michigan schools and students n nReducing teen smoking by increasing state spending on tobacco prevention and cessation n nExpanding the Earned Income Tax Credit to young adults under age 25 n nAdopting universal free community college n nEnding life without parole for emerging adults n nAdopting a Michigan Child Tax Credit that includes kids who are left out of the federal credit because their parents earn too little n nEnacting paid family and medical leave n nIncreasing access to the Family Independence Program, which reached an all-time low in 2023 due to policy barriers and a low payment standard n nInvesting in affordable rental housing n nOther proposals aim to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit, adopt universal free community college, and invest in affordable housing. n nThe report explains the urgent need for policies that support family economic security, education, health care, and thriving communities to ensure a brighter future for Michigan’s children.