Making Michigan More Affordable
We are focused on strengthening Michigan’s economy by addressing rising costs that impact families across the state. From energy, healthcare, and housing to childcare and groceries, Senate Democrats are committed to lowering everyday expenses and ensuring all Michiganders can afford to live and thrive.
Making Childcare Affordable and Accessible for Michigan’s Families
Parents of young children across Michigan are facing a common challenge: there is not enough affordable, high-quality childcare, and the options that do exist are often too expensive. Rising childcare costs place a heavy burden on working families and make it harder for parents to balance work and family responsibilities.
Senate Democrats are committed to leading efforts to lower the cost of childcare. By working closely with Michigan parents and childcare professionals, we aim to advance comprehensive solutions that expand access, support providers, and ensure every family can find safe, reliable, and affordable care for their children.
Childcare
Affordable, quality childcare is essential for working families and child development.
The cost of childcare in Michigan often exceeds the cost of in-state college tuition. Many parents are forced to leave the workforce or reduce hours because they can’t afford care.
We support increased childcare subsidies, fair wages for childcare workers, and expansion of pre-K programs throughout Michigan.
Our advocacy includes pushing for tax credits for childcare expenses, supporting home-based care providers, and expanding employer-supported childcare options.
By the Numbers
$12,000+
annual cost per child
60%
of income for low-wage workers
40%
of parents changed jobs due to childcare
Housing Affordability
Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing families across Michigan. Rising rent and home prices are making it harder for individuals and families to find safe, stable, and affordable places to live. When housing costs take up too much of a household’s income, it limits opportunities and puts added financial stress on working families, seniors, and young adults.
Addressing housing affordability means expanding access to affordable housing, supporting homeownership, and ensuring communities remain inclusive and stable. By focusing on practical solutions, Michigan can help residents stay in their communities and build a stronger, more secure future.
Housing Affordability
Every Michigan family deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.
Housing costs have skyrocketed across Michigan, with many families spending more than 30% of their income on rent or mortgage payments. This leaves less money for essentials like food, healthcare, and education.
We’re advocating for policies that increase affordable housing stock, protect tenants from unfair rent increases, and help first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership.
Our initiatives include supporting community land trusts, advocating for inclusionary zoning policies, and pushing for increased funding for affordable housing development across the state.
By the Numbers
45%
of renters are cost-burdened
$150K
median home price increase since 2020
30,000+
affordable units needed statewide
Healthcare Access
Access to affordable, high-quality healthcare is essential for the well-being of Michigan families and communities. Too many residents face rising medical costs, limited provider availability, and barriers to preventive care. Improving healthcare access means ensuring that individuals and families can receive timely, reliable care without facing financial hardship. By supporting healthcare workers, expanding access to services, and reducing out-of-pocket costs, Michigan can build a healthier, more resilient future for everyone.
Healthcare Access
Quality healthcare should be accessible and affordable for every Michigan resident.
Too many Michigan families face impossible choices between paying for healthcare and other essential needs. High premiums, deductibles, and prescription drug costs create barriers to care.
We support expanding Medicaid, capping prescription drug prices, and increasing access to mental health services across the state.
Our work includes advocating for telehealth expansion, supporting community health centers, and pushing for transparency in healthcare pricing.
By the Numbers
45%
of renters are cost-burdened
$150K
median home price increase since 2020
30,000+
affordable units needed statewide
Energy Costs
Rising energy costs place a growing burden on Michigan families, seniors, and small businesses. High utility bills make it harder for households to manage monthly expenses, especially during extreme weather conditions. By focusing on energy efficiency, fair pricing, and long-term solutions, we can help lower costs while ensuring reliable and sustainable energy for communities across Michigan.
Energy Costs
Michigan families need reliable, affordable energy to power their homes and lives.
Utility bills are a major expense for Michigan households, especially during our cold winters. Rising energy costs disproportionately impact low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes.
We advocate for rate reform, weatherization assistance programs, and investment in renewable energy that can lower costs over time.
Our efforts include supporting energy efficiency programs, advocating for fair utility rate structures, and pushing for community solar programs that benefit all residents.
By the Numbers
$2,000+
average annual utility cost
150,000
households face shutoffs yearly
30%
potential savings through efficiency
Food Access
Access to nutritious and affordable food is essential for healthy families and strong communities. Across Michigan, many residents face challenges in getting fresh groceries and balanced meals. Senate Democrats are committed to improving food access by supporting local food programs, expanding community resources, and ensuring every family has the opportunity to eat well without financial strain.
Food Access
No Michigan resident should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table.
Food insecurity affects hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents, including children and seniors. Many communities lack access to affordable, nutritious food options.
We advocate for SNAP benefit increases, support for food banks, and policies that bring grocery stores to underserved communities.
Our work includes fighting for school meal programs, supporting urban agriculture initiatives, and advocating for fair food pricing policies.
By the Numbers
$2,000+
average annual utility cost
150,000
households face shutoffs yearly
30%
potential savings through efficiency
Lowering Costs for Michigan Families
Michiganders are working harder than ever, but the math just isn’t adding up. While corporate profits soar, families are getting crushed by price gouging at the grocery store, unaffordable and inaccessible healthcare, and a housing market that locks them out.
Working people power Michigan’s economy, yet too many are being left behind by rising costs and Republican policies that protect wealth at the top instead of families trying to get by.
Michigan House Democrats are focused on real solutions that lower costs, protect working families, and strengthen Michigan’s middle class.
Affordable Childcare for Working Families
The rising cost and limited availability of childcare are stretching family budgets, keeping parents out of the workforce, and hurting Michigan’s economy. Childcare now consumes nearly 25 percent of household income for many Michigan families—and costs continue to rise.
House Democrats are committed to making childcare more affordable and more accessible by lowering costs for families and supporting childcare providers. When childcare works, parents can work, businesses can grow, and Michigan becomes more competitive.
Feeding Michigan
Too many Michigan families are being forced to make impossible choices at the grocery store, and one in five children in Michigan lives in a household struggling to consistently afford food.
House Democrats fought to protect SNAP benefits and are tackling the real drivers of rising food costs—from tariffs hurting farmers to unchecked corporate greed inflating prices.
Lowering Housing Costs
Housing costs are rising faster than wages across Michigan, pricing working families out of the communities they call home. Corporate buyers and out-of-state investors are driving up prices and shrinking supply.
House Democrats are advancing solutions to rein in housing costs by lowering property taxes, cutting red tape, and expanding affordable housing options— so Michigan works for residents, not speculators.
Affordable, Accessible Healthcare
Rising healthcare costs are forcing families to delay care, ration medication, or take on medical debt. No one should have to choose between their health and paying the bills.
House Democrats are fighting to lower healthcare costs so families can access care without risking their financial security.
Clean Energy, Lower Costs
Clean energy lowers costs, stabilizes prices, and protects Michigan’s air, water, and natural resources. Renewable sources like wind and solar are already cheaper to generate.
House Democrats are committed to ensuring savings are passed on to everyday Michiganders by tackling rising energy costs and protecting critical federal funding and good-paying jobs.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join us in the fight for a more affordable Michigan. Your voice matters.