Forget universal daycare. Just give new parents cash
The Baby Bonus program in Michigan, known as 'Rx Kids,' provides cash payments to new parents, resulting in a 7.5% increase in birth rates in participating cities like Flint, Kalamazoo, and Pontiac. The program gives $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for a year, totaling $7,500 per child, with funds coming from public and private sources. While costly at about $107,000 per additional birth, the policy is seen as a promising, flexible, and immediate way to support families and potentially reverse declining birthrates.
- ▪The Baby Bonus program provides $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for 12 months, totaling $7,500 per child.
- ▪Births increased by 7.5% in program areas, with no evidence of families moving in solely for the benefit.
- ▪The program cost about $107,000 for each additional birth, raising questions about cost-effectiveness.
- ▪Funding comes from foundations, universities, the state’s welfare budget, and a children’s hospital.
- ▪The program launched in Flint in 2024 and expanded to Kalamazoo and Pontiac.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The usual suspects denounced it as patriarchy and the oppression of women when the Trump administration suggested it, but Democrats in Michigan have quietly embraced the idea anyway — and it looks like it’s working. Behold the Baby Bonus, the policy that will soon take center stage in Washington and in state capitals. Recommended Stories Pennsylvania’s treasurer blocks $1 million for Josh Shapiro’s home security one year after attack What would it take for Democrats to abandon a progressive candidate? Is it a war? A stalemate? A quagmire? A Baby Bonus is a cash payment to parents right before or after the birth of a new child.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Washington Examiner.
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