By Julia Cardi and Beth LeBlanc, MediaNews Group

The Flint-based cash aid program for new parents is set to expand significantly in Michigan after the state Legislature approved $270 million from the newly adopted budget to expand it into more Michigan communities over the next three years.

Rx Kids, which currently draws funding from a combination of support from local governments and philanthropic money, provides $1,500 to moms during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six or 12 months of the baby’s life, depending on the amount of funding for the program in a specific community. It was founded by Dr. Mona Hanna, the Genesee County pediatrician who was instrumental in bringing attention to the Flint water crisis.

The funding boost in the state budget is expected to allow Rx Kid

See Full Page