KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Pregnant and new moms in the city of Kalamazoo are now getting a financial lift, as the RX Kids pilot program is up and running.
The guaranteed income program is based on an effort that is already enjoying some success in Flint, and it has been repeatedly touted by local officials this week.
City Manager Jim Ritsema alerted moms this week.
Kalamazoo County Administrator Kevin Catlin gave the county board an update Tuesday night.
Kalamazoo Public Schools board vice president Carol McGlinn says she is sure that some of their parents should be able to take advantage of the program, telling trustees last night it lifts one burden from new families that can be a crisis for some.
The program provides $1,500 up front and then $500 a month for a year, for all pregnant women, regardless of their income.
The aim is to make it affordable for women to get the care they need, to reduce Kalamazoo’s infant mortality rates, and to get babies off to a better start.
The pilot effort is focusing on the city of Kalamazoo, because that’s where the infant mortality rate is the highest. If the data shows its working, the goal is to expand it county-wide.
This program should be detailed about those who qualify because the whole city of Kalamazoo doesn’t qualify there are certain areas that qualify and a nice big portion that doesn’t qualify. Also when it comes to no strings that isn’t true you have to sign an agreement that informs you there could be impact to other benefits but they will not be held accountable it will be on you for making the choice to sign up for the program. So by signing that which is required you are saying if my benefits are impacted it’s my fault for signing up for this program.