Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – What’s more expensive than a new baby?

There’s a push to copy a Michigan program to get $4,500 into the hands of new mothers. NEST – Newborn Equity Support Transfer – would give the first $1,500 to Medicaid-eligible expectant mothers in their third trimester, then six monthly payments of $500 after the baby is born.

“That, we know, is helpful to get diapers, to pay for bus fare or put gas in your car to get to those appointments to care for your child,” said Sarah Saheb (pictured, left) of Economic Security Illinois Action, which held a rally and news conference in the Capitol Rotunda.

“The Flint program led to fewer preterm births, fewer NICU admissions, and healthier outcomes for both moms and babies,” said State Sen. Graciela Guzmán (D-Chicago) in a news release. “Those reductions translate into safer, more secure homes and less stress on our hospitals. I’m proud to be leading this effort, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make NEST a reality in Illinois.”