Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $252 billion spending plan includes an extra $1,200 bonus to pregnant welfare recipients when they have a baby.
Hochul’s plan would also boost monthly public assistance benefits by $100 for expectant mothers through pregnancy, for a total cost of $8.5 million.
“This bill would improve maternal and infant health for the state’s most vulnerable households,” Hochul said.
Hochul’s added support for pregnant moms on public assistance was applauded by the state Catholic Conference.
The financial aid will help needy moms decide to raise their child instead of getting an abortion, said Catholic Conference executive director Dennis Poust.
“The allowance is something that will help a pregnant mother decide to keep the baby. This is a pro-life policy and we applauded the governor for it,” Poust said.
He also praised Hochul’s expansion of the child tax credit, which he called a pro-life, pro-child measure.
In addition, the spending plan provides funding to deliver 10 million diapers to low-income families.
Conversely, Poust criticized Hochul for setting aside $25 million for a Reproductive Freedom and Equity Grant program, calling it an “abortion slush fund.”
