Sheffield Explores Payments to Expectant Mothers, While Kinloch Wants to Invest $1,000 Annually in Youth Trust Fund

October 16, 2025

During the WXYZ mayoral debate in Detroit, candidates Mary Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. presented child-focused financial proposals to combat poverty.

Who is affected

Pregnant mothers and babies born in Detroit
Detroit families, particularly those in poverty
Detroit's youngest residents and future generations
Detroit voters evaluating the candidates' proposals
Underserved neighborhoods across Detroit

What action is being taken

The Rx Kids program is actively expanding throughout Michigan communities, delivering over $15 million in cash to more than 3,600 families
In Flint specifically, Rx Kids has prescribed over $11.3 million and enrolled more than 2,000 families
Michigan State University pediatric public health initiative, partnering with GiveDirectly and Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, is administering the Rx Kids program
Both candidates are actively campaigning with child-centered financial proposals as part of their platforms

Why it matters

The mayoral race is shifting focus to include investment in young residents as a key issue beyond traditional topics like crime and infrastructure
Early impact evaluations of Rx Kids in Flint show improvements in birth weight, reduced NICU admissions, and positive mental health effects among mothers
Both proposals represent different approaches to addressing intergenerational poverty in Detroit
While Detroit's mayor has limited direct control over welfare, education, and federal programs, the office can establish partnerships and priorities for family support
The candidates' focus demonstrates a shift toward treating children not just as future beneficiaries but as asset holders from birth

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle