Rx Kids

Michigan's FY2027 budget reallocated $20 million from the Rx Kids program to five line items under the Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) budget. While the House sought to eliminate the funding entirely and the Senate aimed to preserve it, the final agreement leaves $18 million potentially available for Rx Kids through TANF. Program leaders claim the funds will continue to support Rx Kids, but House Speaker Matt Hall argues the reallocated money is not eligible for the program.

Michigan’s Rx Kids cash aid program, which provides no-strings-attached cash assistance to pregnant women and new mothers, is expanding to Cleveland, Ohio. The Ohio version will cover three ZIP codes and 400 moms annually for two years, funded by Cleveland, the O’Neill Foundation, and private donors. The program has shown reduced infant mortality and preterm births in Flint since its 2024 launch.

House Speaker Matt Hall argues Rx Kids should not receive funding from the 2027 state budget, while the group claims they remain eligible for state funds. The dispute centers on whether Rx Kids has already received sufficient funding in prior budget cycles.

A study found that neonatal mortality in Flint dropped by 50% after the Rx Kids cash aid program was implemented in 2024, reducing the city's mortality rate to match the rest of Michigan. The program provides $7,500 to families during pregnancy and the first year of a child's life to alleviate financial burdens.

Redemption Bank, a Black-owned bank in Utah, is launching the Bank King Card debit card to help single mothers in government-subsidized housing escape poverty. The bank will donate from new account openings to nonprofits supporting needy families, aiming to provide direct cash assistance that improves economic mobility and dignity for mothers and children.

Redemption Bank, a Black-owned bank, is launching the Bank King Card debit card to provide financial support to single mothers in government-subsidized housing. The program includes annual donations to nonprofits for direct cash assistance, aiming to alleviate poverty and improve economic mobility for these families.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield endorsed Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for governor, citing her plans to expand programs like Rx Kids, address property tax reform, and advance affordable housing. Sheffield emphasized the need for strong leadership in Lansing to support Detroit's priorities, including housing, healthcare, and auto insurance reform.

Dr. Mona Hanna founded Rx Kids, a prenatal and infant cash prescription program, which is under state scrutiny. The program claims no tax money is used for undocumented mothers and there are no spending limits.

Michigan GOP lawmakers questioned the Rx Kids program during a House Oversight Committee hearing, focusing on technical requirements while Dr. Mona Hanna highlighted its positive outcomes, including reduced evictions and improved birth outcomes. The program, which has enrolled over 11,700 families, faces potential funding cuts from state House leadership.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield emphasized poverty elimination as a core economic growth strategy during her speech at the Mackinac Policy Conference, arguing that increasing income levels and improving residents' well-being strengthens the city's economic foundation. She highlighted credit rating upgrades from Moody’s and S&P, the Rx Kids cash support program for families, and initiatives to retain Michigan’s college graduates in Detroit.