The Michigan House Appropriations Committee on a committee call adopted H-2 substitutes to Senate Bill 540 and Senate Bill 542, advancing a package that would create a National Guard Child Care Assistance program and fold the existing tuition-assistance fund into a broader member benefits fund.

The bills are budget-implementation measures tied to House Bill 4962 and are intended to expand member benefits administered through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). Matt Black, chief of staff to Senator Hertel, summarized the measures as “budget implementation bills” that create the childcare assistance program and expand the scope of the tuition assistance program. He said the new childcare assistance “must be provided for up to 12 hours a day, for weekends and annual drill for a maximum of 39 days per year.”

The committee adopted H-2 substitutes for both Senate bills by recorded roll call. The clerk reported a tally of 25 yays, 0 nays, 0 passes on the H-2 substitute to Senate Bill 540, and 25 ayes, 0 nay, 0 pass on the H-2 substitute to Senate Bill 542. Earlier, Representative Maddock moved to adopt the minutes from the June 11 meeting; with no objection, the minutes were approved.

Representative Roger(s) asked whether the committee had an estimate of how many members would use the benefit; the chair referred that question to department staff. Terry Sabo, identified as a department representative, said a straw poll conducted previously estimated “approximately 2,000, that give give or take.”

Committee members also asked how the benefit would operate in practice—whether members would be reimbursed directly and what provider qualifications would be required. Department witnesses said policy details are still being developed and indicated the intent is to provide flexibility so service members can compensate family members or other caregivers when licensed childcare is not available on drill weekends. The department noted that administrative procedures and rule promulgation could further define eligibility and provider requirements once the program is implemented.

Witnesses and committee members emphasized the package is budget neutral as drafted; Matt Black and department staff said the program will be funded from existing DMVA budget lines and the adjutant general would administer the program. Major General Paul Rogers was named as the adjutant general the department expects to oversee implementation.

Votes at a glance

• H-2 substitute to Senate Bill 540 (creates National Guard Child Care Assistance program): Adopted by roll call, clerk reported 25 yays, 0 nays, 0 passes.

• H-2 substitute to Senate Bill 542 (renames/expands tuition-assistance fund into member benefits fund): Adopted by roll call, clerk reported 25 ayes, 0 nay, 0 pass.

• Motion to adopt June 11 minutes: Approved by unanimous consent.

Next steps

The bills are tied to House Bill 4962 for budget implementation; department staff said further policy details and any provider requirements will be established through administrative procedures and rulemaking. Committee members asked for more specifics on eligibility and provider oversight during implementation.