For a brief period during the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government gave most parents monthly cash — up to $300 per child — with no work requirements or restrictions on how the money could be spent.
But a growing number of states are moving forward with their own programs, often with Republican support.
Last week, Colorado became the ninth state in two years to guarantee some form of cash income to its poorest parents.
The law, which passed with bipartisan support, will be the second most generous in the country, providing parents making less than $35,000 per year with up to $1,200 annually for each child under 6.
Minnesota’s program, which became law last month, is the most generous, guaranteeing families earning $35,000 or less with up to $1,750 in cash annually for each child under 17.
Persons:
Joe Manchin III
Organizations:
West Virginia Democrat
Locations:
Colorado