A state-funded cash program for new parents has expanded into three Kalamazoo County communities, but lawmakers in Lansing have not yet secured its long-term financing.

Residents in Galesburg, Oshtemo Township, and Wakeshma Township can now enroll in Rx Kids, a program that provides direct cash payments to expecting mothers and families with infants. The expansion launched Monday, bringing the program to three more communities in Kalamazoo County.

Eligible participants receive a one-time payment of $1,500 during pregnancy, followed by $500 per month after the baby is born through the child’s first year. Participants must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at enrollment, and newborns must be born on or after June 1, 2026, according to program leaders.

"What happens in pregnancy, what happens in early infancy, shapes an entire life course," said Dr. Mona Hanna, founding director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at Michigan State University.

Program leaders say nearly 94 percent of eligible families in the City of Kalamazoo have already enrolled since the program launched there in February 2025, according to a report from WWMT NewsChannel 3.

State budget uncertainty looms over expansion

Rx Kids is a public-private partnership using funds from the state and federal governments, along with donations from community organizations. The program is expanding as the Michigan Legislature works to finalize the state budget, and it remains unclear whether additional state funding will be included, according to WOODTV.

"With the next budget not finalized in Lansing, it is unclear if the program will receive additional state funds," the station reported.

The program first launched in Flint more than two years ago before expanding to other communities across Michigan. State leaders announced earlier this year that the program would continue expanding statewide throughout the summer.

Political pressure to make Rx Kids statewide

The expansion comes as Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic candidate for governor, has proposed expanding Rx Kids to every community in Michigan.

"Michigan’s next governor has a moral responsibility to fight for every kid in this state — and getting it right starts the day a child is born," Benson said in a statement to WLNS regarding the proposal.

A study published in The Lancet Public Health examined roughly 4,500 births in Flint between January 2021 and June 2025. Researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan found that the program was followed by an 18 percent reduction in preterm births and a 27 percent reduction in low birthweight births, along with a roughly 29 percent drop in neonatal intensive care unit admissions.

Local partners point to health disparities

Cradle Kalamazoo, a local nonprofit partner, identified Galesburg, Wakeshma Township, and Oshtemo Township as communities in need based on birth records data.

"With the birth records data shown in the county we identified that Galesburg, Wakeshma Township and Oshtemo Township were kind of in need of these programs and the support of this program. We’ve seen great results through the City of Kalamazoo," said Sydney Morris, community engagement manager with Cradle Kalamazoo, according to WOODTV.

Kalamazoo County currently reports one of the lowest infant mortality rates in Michigan, according to WWMT. Local leaders say the county has spent years investing in maternal and infant health initiatives.

What Rx Kids participants say

Niesha Wright, a participant in the program, said the cash assistance helped her cover expenses including groceries, rent, and childcare for her 6-month-old child, according to WOODTV.

"He needs a high chair and that covered the cost of that and I’m just really grateful for it," Wright said.

Families can apply through the Rx Kids website.