Detroit joining Michigan program that gives cash to expectant mothers for essentials

DETROIT–Aprogramthatprovidescashtohelpexpectantmotherscopewithbills,expensesandthehighcostoftakingcareofchildreniscomingtoDetroit. DemocraticMayorMarySheffieldannouncedMondaythatMichiganStateUniversity’sRxKidsprogramisexpectedtoopeninthecitywithinthefirst100daysofhertakingoffice.SheffieldwaselectedinNovemberandwasinstalledlastweekasDetroit’sfirstfemalemayor. Theprogramgivesaone-timeallocationof$1,500toexpectantmothersduringpregnancy.That’sfollowedby$500permonththroughoutthechild’sfirstsixmonthsafterbirth.Familiesareexpectedtousethemoneyforrent,utilities,food,diapers,babyformula,transportation,medicalcareandotheressentials. Therearenoincomerequirements.Sign-upisonline.Recipientsmustverifytheyarepregnant. RxKidsstartedin2024inFlint,Michigan,andisaimedatremovingfamiliesandinfantsfromdeeppoverty.Ithassinceexpandedto20othercitiesaroundthestate.BytheendofJanuary,anothereightcitiesareexpe