Rx Kids

Leaders of a cash assistance program for pregnant and new mothers have a $20 million dispute with the Republican leadership of the Michigan state House.

Rx Kids provides a cash stipend to expectant mothers and then a monthly stipend during a child’s first year of life.

Some Republican state legislators say the program that provides financial help to pregnant women and new parents needs more control over how the money is spent.

A new study found that the Rx Kids program substantively reduced pre-term births and low birth weights, and prevented neonatal intensive care unit admissions.

Parents with an income up to $100,000 would qualify for a $5,500 tax credit per child under 4 years old under the proposed Working Parents Tax Relief Act.

Moms living in Montmorency County, Mt. Clemens, and Center Line, who are at least 16 weeks pregnant, can now qualify for a one-time $1,500 payment from Rx Kids.

During her first State of the City address, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield touted some of the new policies she’s put in place before her 100th day in office.

A look into how the expansion of Rx Kids is supporting communities in the Upper Peninsula. Plus, recovery efforts are underway in several southwest Michigan communities after multiple tornadoes struck in early March. And we remember the legacy of Melvin Parson, an Ypsilanti farmer and social justice advocate. Last, a new On Hand episode investigates the origin of the coney dog.

Rx Kids will provide U.P. mothers $1,500 while they're pregnant, and another $500 per month for the first six months of their baby’s life.

Rx Kids will pay $1,500 to Detroit mothers during pregnancy and another $500 per month during the first six months of their baby’s life.Dr. Mona Hanna, associate dean for Public Health at Michigan State University, directs the program. She said it’s “medicine” rather than “charity.”