LANSING, MI (Michigan News Source) – Rx Kids, a state program started in 2024, prides itself as a lifeline to families by putting cash in the pockets of new mothers. However, critics in Lansing say the program is a prescription for fraud.
“No strings attached.”
Michigan House Oversight Committee Chair Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Township) detailed the program on The Steve Gruber Show on Thursday. He said the program issues direct cash payments to 16-week pregnant mothers after the state receives verification from doctors. Moms receive $1,500 during pregnancy, and babies receive $500 a month for a designated length of time that varies between 6 – 12 months
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“No strings attached,” DeBoyer told Gruber. “No guardrails. No prohibitions on what you can spend the money on.”
A $300 million price tag.
DeBoyer said Rx Kids is a $300 million program. “My role as the oversight chair is to look at current programs and current departments within the state of Michigan and determine see if they’re managed appropriately.” He added, “The further we dig into this Rx Kids program, the more I have glaring examples of what this really is. It’s the precursor to guaranteed basic income.”
The state does not track how the moms spend the money. “You can receive a check for $1500 and you can have an abortion the next day,” DeBoyer said. “There is no requirement for you to pay that money back.”
Funds for alcohol, weed, and flat screen TVs?
In addition, Rx Kids removed the advisory circle from its website. The advisory circle served as point of contention during a recent committee hearing with the group’s founder and director, Dr. Mona Hanna.
During last week’s hearing, Rep. Angela Rigas (R-Alto) asked Dr. Hanna how the program ensures “the funds are actually helping the babies.” She added, “Or are these funds able to be spent on items such as alcohol, weed, and flat screen TVs?”
“What sets this program apart is the flexibility. This is a program built on trust,” Dr. Hanna replied.
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DeBoyer told Gruber that taxpayers deserve to know exactly how their money is spent. “[Rx Kids] is a program that has come with a big price tag to taxpayers, and that should come with a large amount of responsibility,” he said.
