LANSING — A bipartisan group of Michigan lawmakers appear to be supportive of expanding a cash assistance program for new and expecting mothers.
The funds from the Rx Kids support program come in the form of a one-time $1,500 payment when pregnant and $500 a month for the first 6 months or one year, depending on the region.
That cash comes with no strings attached, which supporters say allows families to better meet their needs.
The initiative has operated in the Eastern Upper Peninsula for about six months and has distributed nearly $800,000 to 316 families.
“Finally, we’re doing something we can all agree on that’s just sort of good news,” said Sen. John Damoose, (R) District 37, Harbor Springs.
Austin Lowes, chairman of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, says that the program has been transformative for mothers in the region.
“To quote one mother enrolled in the program, ‘RX Kids has made our lives less stressful, and it’s allowed us to make healthier choices’,” he said. “Another one told us that ‘using RX Kids payments to cover unforeseeable medical bills during my pregnancy greatly reduced the amount of stress I felt. During this time I was able to focus on caring for myself and my baby.’”
The program also launched in Clare county at the beginning of August, already awarding more than $35,000 to 31 families.
A state Senate committee voted Tuesday to advance a bill — SB 309 — that would establish a structure for bringing the program to more communities, depending on the level of state support.
That bill still needs to be voted on in the full Senate.
The Senate has also proposed nearly $80 million for the program in this year’s budget, but it remains to be seen if that funding will be approved.