As the name suggests, our Policy and Action Center is about informing you then giving you the tools you need to make a difference.

Below and to the right, you’ll find links to both the Michigan and federal editions of Capitol Corner. The federal edition provides a fresh, weekly recap of policy and legislative matters that impact education. The Michigan edition is written by Matt Gillard, the Early Childhood Investment Corporation’s legislative affairs consultant, and provides an insider’s view of legislative budget matters and how they impact early childhood here in Michigan. Week of July 19 edition excerpt:

The Legislature returned to Lansing for one day this week but no progress was made on the looming General Fund budget dilemma. With the School Aid funding plan for fiscal year 2011 already in place, lawmakers and Governor Granholm are now focused on finding a solution to the General Fund deficit. Struggling income tax revenues combined with Congress' inability to pass an extension of the enhanced FMAP benefits to states has created a huge deficit in the state's General Fund. The exact size of the deficit is not yet determined and there is still a slight chance that Congress will be able to pass some version of the FMAP legislation to provide relief to the over 30 states that are facing significant budget challenges.  MORE

Also below you’ll also find a link to national and Congressional policy reports and briefs, as well as a link to even more information on early childhood issues and legislation.

Once you’ve armed yourself with knowledge, we encourage you to share that knowledge with lawmakers and media by using the easy-to-use tools under Take Action Now.