8/21/24 - Kids Count Released New Data Shows Major Improvements to Kids Health in Michigan

The latest report from the Michigan League for Public Policy also shows Michigan kids are making progress in some areas of education, but slipping in others.

The latest study on our kids and education in Michigan shows areas of both improvement and regression.

Anne Kuhnen is Policy Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy. She says the state saw improvements in 13 of 19 categories but that some of the data goes back to 2022 when we were still suffering the effects of the pandemic.

"We actually saw a slight worsening of our on time high school graduation rate. Following about a decade of improvements in that area".

That is a trend Kuhnen says is now improving, albeit slightly.

For example, in Kent County, the study shows that the on time graduation rate has improved from 79% in 2017, to just over 85% in 2022. It also shows that more children are being covered by insurance. and fewer homes are being significantly burdened by higher economic costs.

More than half of Michigan’s counties saw declines in 3rd grade reading proficiency and preschool enrollment, while enrollment in the state’s basic cash assistance program–known as the Family Independence Program (FIP)–decreased in 75 of Michigan’s 83 counties, likely due to the program’s outdated payment standard and stringent eligibility requirements.

Among the recommendations of the report, the MLPP suggests adopting a state child tax credit, fully fund the Opportunity Index, to provide equitable funding for schools, end juvenile life without parole, and extend the state's Earned Income Tax Credit.

You can find the complete report at Kids Count.