Sept. 29, 2009

Michigan Department of Human Services Director Ismael Ahmed today issued the following statement:

"Being a good neighbor means helping your neighbors who are in need. This could be as simple as providing a cup of sugar, monitoring their house while they're on vacation or making sure their children are safe while they wait for the school bus.

"In 1973, the Michigan Legislature passed a law intended to regulate unlicenced day care providers, not good neighbors, to ensure the health and safety of children. Our department is charged with ensuring children are safe and secure when they're in child care.

"Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has instructed me to work with the state Legislature to change the law to enable good neighbors to help each other while also ensuring children are safe."