How To Help: Talking To Our Legislators
Parents: We encourage you to talk to your Legislators and share how this dedicated funding for early childhood systems building supports children, families, and communities in real and lasting ways. Your outreach is powerful!
Great Start Collaborative Livingston families are directly affected by the elimination of state funding for early childhood coordination and family support. You can learn more about Section 32p and how it supports our community at this post: https://greatstartlivingston.org/gsl-needs-help/
The more perspectives our Legislators hear, the better. This collective input can help guide them as they shape supplemental budgeting.
Livingston County Legislators
If you want to share your story or contact your legislators, you can find their information here: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Legislature/Legislators
If you aren’t sure who represents you, use the “find your Representative and/or Senator’ tool at the top of the page and type in your address.
Rep. Jason Woolford (District 50) – JasonWoolford@house.mi.gov | (517) 373-3906
Rep. Ann Bollin (District 49) – AnnBollin@house.mi.gov | (517) 373-7515
Rep. Jennifer Conlin (District 48) – JenniferConlin@house.mi.gov | (517) 373-7557
Rep. Mike Mueller (District 72) – MikeMueller@house.mi.gov | (517) 373-0840
Sen. Lana Theis (District 22) – SenLTheis@senate.michigan.gov | (517) 373-2420
State Contacts
Governor Gretchen Whitmer – (517) 335-7858 | https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/contact
Emily Laidlaw, Deputy Director of Early Education, MiLEAP | LaidlawE1@michigan.gov
Example email with talking points:
Subject: Section 32p Funding for Great Start Collaborative Livingston
Hello {Enter Legislator’s Name},
As a Livingston County resident, I’m writing to _______________
{INSERT PERSONAL STORY: How has the Great Start Livingston Collaborative made a difference for you? Have you gained parenting support, built friendships, found resources, or strengthened your family’s protective factors?}
Without this funding, Great Start Livingston—and the systems that connect families to child care, early learning, and essential supports—will disappear. Families would lose a trusted source of guidance and community connection.
Why It Matters in Livingston County:
- 11,608 children under age 6 live in Livingston County
- 23% of households are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)
- 70% of young children have all parents in the labor force
- Average child care costs $11,208/year—52% of a full-time minimum wage income
Section 32p funding in Livingston County supports:
- Kindergarten readiness and developmental support
- Help Me Grow Livingston family resource connections
- Parent education and early literacy programs
- Home visiting for expectant and new parents
- Local collaboration that maximizes resources and avoids duplication
This is more than a budget decision—it’s an investment in Michigan’s families and future. Please stand with parents, providers, and community leaders working to ensure every child has a Great Start in life.
Thank you for your time and leadership,
{Your Name}
