Here’s Episode 82 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast!
It’s another week.
That means it’s another episode of the Republican Crime Syndicate!
Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel announced several charges against former Michigan Republican state House Speaker Lee Chatfield, and his wife, Stephanie, for operating a criminal enterprise! Just like Chatfield’s hero, Dear Leader Trump, he will soon find himself in a courtroom. And Chatfield also finds himself following in the footsteps of fellow Republican state House Speaker, Rick Johnson!
This is the Law & Order party?
But while some policymakers work on finding ways to enrich themselves, there are many Michiganders working hard to enrich the lives of others.
One good example is the Rx Kids program in Flint, which provides a no-strings attached cash allowances to mothers and their babies. Other countries have provided similar programs, and experienced success with fewer premature births, improved cognitive development for infants, and more. The program is a mix of public and private funds, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer is providing more money as part of her 2025 budget proposal. It’s about transforming the social contract to expand opportunities for hard-working Michiganders.
Dr. H. Luke Shaefer is the co-director of the Rx Kids program. Dr. Shaefer is a professor of social justice, social policy and public policy at the University of Michigan, and he gives us insight into Rx Kids, and what it ultimately hopes to achieve.
And the “Last Call” applauds the Rx Kids program in Flint, and how we hope the program expands to other areas of the state of Michigan. It’s a pro-family initiative, and it’s a common sense initiative!
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SHOW NOTES:
“Forum explores Flint’s effort to combat poverty using cash payments for mothers and infants.” By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance
“‘A dream come true’: In Flint, every pregnant person is about to receive cash through Rx Kids.” By Anna Gustafson of Michigan Advance
“Michigan’s new anti-poverty effort: $7,500 for Flint moms, no strings attached.” By Robin Erb of Bridge Michigan
“A new program ‘prescribes’ monthly payments for the first year of an infant’s life.” By Frances Kai-Hwa Wang of PBS Newshours
“In One Year, Child Poverty in the United States More Than Doubled.” By Inae Oh of Mother Jones
“Democrats regain full control of state House with two special election wins.” By Ken Coleman of Michigan Advance
“Michigan Dems want to shine a ‘BRITE’ light on elected officials’ finances and political nonprofits.” By Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance
“Nessel accuses ex-Speaker Chatfield of stealing political funds in criminal charges.” By Craig Mauger of The Detroit News
“Nessel announces criminal enterprise charges against former Speaker Chatfield and his wife.” By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance
“Timeline of events in Dennis Hastert’s life and career.” By The Associated Press
“First 7 jurors are chosen for Trump’s hush money criminal trial, with 11 more still needed.” By Michael R. Sisak, Jennifer Peltz, and Jake Offenhartz
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s announcement of charges against Lee Chatfield.
Photo: “Baby Bottle” by brokinhrt2 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.
