• Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) State Capitol Corner Update-March 5, 2010
• Washington Partners Federal Policy Update-March 3, 2010

On Thursday, February 11, 2010, Governor Granholm released her proposed state budget for the upcoming fiscal year (2011). Below are some resources to help you understand the budget process, details on its effects on young children, and ideas for advocacy.

• Michigan's Children 2/16/10 Budget Basics-Summary of the Governor's Proposed Budget
• Michigan's Children 2/25/10 Budget Basics-The Budget Process in Michigan
  
• Michigan's Children 3/01/10 Budget Basics-Michigan's Committment to it's Youngest Citizens: Reality or Rhetoric?Trends in State Spending on Services for Young Children
• Michigan's Children 3/01/10 Budget Basics-The Governor's Proposed FY 2011 State Budget: Highlights of Recommendations Affecting Young Children
• ECIC's Budget Talking Points
• Sample Notes to Legislators

• Introduction to Advocacy
• Types of Advocacy
• Outline for Advocacy Training
• Who Represents Me?
• Understanding Michigan Legislature
• Tips for Meeting with Legislators

If we invest in programs that promote learning beginning at birth-the statistics will change, the stories will change, the future will change-change the first five years and you change everything. Click here to watch this powerful video from The Ounce of Prevention Fund.

Professor James Heckman has proven that there are great economic gains by investing in early childhood development. The videos and other resources on his website can be useful advocacy tools.

• Birth to Five Policy Alliance
• Michigan Child Care Task Force
• Michigan’s Children
• Michigan 4C Association
• Michigan Department of Education
  Office of Early Childhood and Family Service
• Early Childhood Investment Corporation
• Pre-K Now

• Never Again
• Inspiring Innovation: Creative State Financing Structures