Short-Run Fiscal Effects of Expanding Michigan's Preschool Program to be Universal

Authors

Timothy J. Bartik, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment ResearchFollow

Upjohn Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6238-8181

Publication Date

7-7-2025

Series

Policy Paper No. 2025-037

DOI

10.17848/pol2025-037

Abstract

This policy paper provides some updated estimates of the short-run fiscal effects of expanding Michigan’s state-funded preschool program, the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), to encompass universal access for Michigan’s four-year-olds. This is an update to Policy Paper No. 2025-034, which analyzed the economic and fiscal effects of Michigan’s current GSRP program as compared to the state having no program. The update takes advantage of a high-quality recent study of the economic effects of universal preschool programs in nine states, authored by Jackson, Turner, and Bastian (2025). Using the estimated economic effects of universal preschool from this recent study, I estimate that during the first five years, the fiscal benefits to state and local governments in Michigan from expanding GSRP to universal access would cover about two-thirds of the incremental program costs.

Issue Date

July 2025

Note

Upjohn project #58505

Subject Areas

EDUCATION; Early childhood; Childcare / Child care; Preschool and early education; LABOR MARKET ISSUES; Wages, health insurance and other benefits; Michigan studies