Poverty Research & Policy

Author: Institute for Research on Poverty

The Poverty Research & Policy Podcast is produced by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP) and features interviews with researchers about poverty, inequality, and policy in the United States.
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Language: en

Genres: Education, Science, Social Sciences

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Luke Shaefer on the RX Kids Cash Transfer Program
Tuesday, 11 November, 2025

Unconditional cash transfers programs are being piloted across the country. For this episode, Dr. Luke Shaefer shares his work with RX Kids—the nation's first-ever, community-wide, prenatal and infant cash prescription program, which is taking place in Michigan. This innovative model uses a mix of TANF funds in combination with philanthropic dollars to offer support to all expecting and new moms in several low-income Michigan communities. Luke Shaefer is the Hermann and Amalie Kohn Professor of Social Justice and Social Policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. He is also a Professor of Social Work, and the Director of Poverty Solutions, also at the University of Michigan. In addition, he is the co-director of RX Kids and is also an IRP Affiliate.