Senate Democrats have put forward a plan to give thousands of dollars to Michigan mothers with newborns in an effort to give the state’s newest residents a head start in life.

The bill heard Tuesday, Aug. 12, in the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services, would help expand the Rx Kids program around the state , making more new mothers eligible for up to $7,500 in cash payments. It did not go to a vote Tuesday but is expected back before the committee.

First launched in Flint in 2024 and now operating in eight other communities, the Rx Kids program provides expectant mothers with $1,500 during pregnancy and an additional $500 per month for children up to 12 months old.

There are no income requirements to qualify for the payments, and families can spend the cash however they

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