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Committee backs MyLEAP budget that expands childcare caseload funding, limits some boilerplate and adds program conditions
Summary
The committee approved the H‑1 substitute for House Bill 45 78 (MyLEAP), which increases child‑care caseload funding, lowers authorized FTEs, and adds new department restrictions including a fine tied to business card pronoun use; members debated staffing levels and TriShare program benchmarks.
The House Appropriations Committee adopted the H‑1 substitute to House Bill 45 78, the appropriation for the Department of Lifelong Education Advancement, known as MyLEAP, following a presentation from House Fiscal staff and discussion about childcare, scholarship administration and department staffing.
Analysts Perry Zilak and Noel Benson told the committee the H‑1 sets a gross appropriation of $640,500,000 and authorizes 281 FTEs — a net gross decrease of $3.5 million and a decrease of 62 FTEs (18%) from the current year. The bill increases caseload funding for child development and care by $44.3 million gross (including $93.0 million general fund) to reflect updated caseload estimates, Zilak said.
The House package deletes a number of boilerplate sections and 1‑time appropriations present in the current fiscal year; it also adds specific language to several sections. Notably, the fiscal summary says the House adds language (section 3 01) that "restricts MyLEAP from using pronouns in email signatures, business cards and departmental letterhead and subjects the department to a $100 fine for each violation that can be pursued by residents in the Michigan Court of Claims." The summary also adds TriShare program benchmark language and allows TriShare funds to be used for families who live in Wisconsin but have a family member employed in Michigan.
Representative Markkanen, sponsor of the bills in the Higher Education and Community College subcommittee, highlighted childcare and workforce connections. Committee members asked about staffing: Representative Snyder noted that the budget eliminates 15 FTEs in the office that administers student financial assistance and scholarship programs while the bill also creates or expects one‑time scholarship deposits; he asked whether staff would be sufficient to implement large new scholarship disbursements. House Fiscal replied staff believed existing resources could administer the programs but that details would be subject to negotiation.
Representative O'Neil and others praised the TriShare childcare concept and urged finding ways to expand providers, train workers and reduce costs. Members from the Upper Peninsula said TriShare had early success there and supported language allowing use for Wisconsin residents with Michigan employers.
Representative Rogers proposed an amendment to add $100 million for childcare center providers and licensed family home providers; the amendment failed on a recorded roll call (12 yeas, 17 nays). During committee debate Representative Snyder raised concerns about cuts to wraparound and dual enrollment tasks in other bills; Representative Glanville flagged elimination or reduction of wraparound supports and other MyLEAP items that serve returning students and workforce training.
The H‑1 substitute was adopted on a recorded vote; the bill was reported with recommendation as amended. Committee discussion emphasized childcare access, TriShare benchmarks, staffing to administer new scholarship deposits and the balance between one‑time deposits and ongoing administrative capacity.
