Capitol News

Senate Democrats held a roundtable in Flint to discuss their proposed Building Blocks legislation, which aims to reduce costs for parents across Michigan. The event, hosted by Sen. John Cherry of Flint, included participation from legislative sponsors such as Sen. Sylvia Santana, Sen. Kevin Hertel, and Sen. Mallory McMorrow, alongside local partners and parents.

The Building Blocks bill package seeks to expand the Rx Kids cash payment program for mothers and babies and broaden the MI Tri-Share child care program throughout the state. Both initiatives are designed to help families with expenses related to child-rearing.

Sen. Cherry stated, “I’ll forever be proud that the launching point for the nationally renowned Rx Kids program is here in Flint, where it has proven to be an absolute game-changer for local families, helping them afford everything from diapers and childcare to food, rent, and utilities. Today’s event confirmed what we already know: Rx Kids works, and it works well. That’s why my Senate colleagues and I are committed to keeping this momentum going with the Building Blocks package — so that parents in every corner of the state can access the relief they need, during the times they need it most.”

Sen. Santana emphasized the statewide relevance of these programs: “We know that the challenges of parenthood don’t stop at city or county lines — families in every corner of our state need more support, especially during these times of economic uncertainty. That’s why I’m proud to have championed this legislation to make Rx Kids a statewide program, ensuring that every Michigan family has equitable access to the ‘Building Blocks’ needed to raise healthy, happy kids.”

Since its start in Flint in January 2024, Rx Kids has been implemented in ten other areas across Michigan including Kalamazoo and parts of Oakland County. At the roundtable, speakers discussed how making this program available statewide could help address childhood poverty.

“As a dad of two young boys, I know that between groceries, gas, child care, doctors’ visits, and more — the cost of parenting adds up quick,” said Sen. Hertel. “While anyone in Michigan who works hard should be able to raise a family and get ahead in life, the reality is that a lot of parents are just struggling to get by. However, by expanding programs like Rx Kids and strengthening investments in child care, we can help parents keep more of their hard-earned money and give kids a better opportunity to succeed.”

Child care costs were highlighted as a significant concern affecting both families and Michigan’s workforce. Senators Hertel and McMorrow outlined how codifying and growing MI Tri-Share—which splits child care expenses among employers, employees, and the state—could provide relief.

“Michigan moms and dads deserve to worry less about how they’re going to afford to put food on the table or afford their grocery bill so they can focus more on the joys of being a parent — sharing snuggles, stories, and making memories with their little ones,” said Sen. McMorrow. “Our Building Blocks package takes a comprehensive approach to make that happen, getting parents across the state the crucial resources they need to breathe a little easier and have a fair shot at a better quality of life for themselves and their children.”

Dr. Mona Hanna from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine noted benefits seen from Rx Kids: “Across Michigan, Rx Kids is walking alongside families during one of life’s most challenging and transformative times — pregnancy and early infancy... We have a real opportunity to invest in our youngest Michiganders and shape a healthier, more hopeful future for communities across our state.”

Jim Ananich from Greater Flint Health Coalition supported both programs: “Public policy is such a valuable tool to improve people’s lives in our community and around the state... I am proud to have the Greater Flint Health Coalition support the Tri-Share child care program and Rx Kids here in Flint.”

Emily Laidlaw from MiLEAP described MI Tri-Share as “a first-of-its-kind program... that brings employers, employees, and the state together.” She added that expanding this model could benefit more families as well as businesses.

The Building Blocks plan consists of Senate Bills 308–313 aimed at improving affordability for raising children while supporting health outcomes across Michigan.

More details about this legislative proposal are available at SenateDems.com/Building-Blocks.