The article refers to a massive statewide problem that providers throughout the state are experiencing with day care payments. The article is in error. It is a generalization based on anecdotal stories from a small number of day care providers in a few counties.
Day care is an important element of Michigan's successful welfare reform program.
We acknowledge that there were some payment delays as our agency experienced some major transitions last year along with a 32 percent increase in the day care caseload. We have taken steps to address these issues including implementation of the Quick Start streamlined application process, hiring temporary staff to catch up the payment issuance backlog in Lansing, and clearly communicating to staff that day care is a top priority. There has been dramatic improvement. Even Wayne County which is only one of seven counties which exceed ten percent is up from 76 percent in January to 87 percent today. We have made tremendous progress in shortening the application approval time and authorizing payments.