A program that gives direct cash payments to pregnant and new mothers launched Monday across the entire Upper Peninsula.
“RX Kids” will provide UP mothers $1,500 while they're pregnant, and another $500-per month for the first six months of their baby’s life. It was already available in the eastern part of the peninsula.
Executive Director Doctor Mona Hanna says that money helps give babies a stable home during a critical time for their development.
“Families are more stable. They have less debt. They can pay down rent and mortgages. There’s less evictions. Improve nutrition security. We just published a paper on diaper hardship, how families have more ability to pay for diapers and change babies’ diapers as needed.”
The program has gotten bipartisan support in the past, though some Republicans have begun criticizing it for not checking mothers’ citizenship status.
