(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - One in three families across the country say they don’t have enough clean diapers.
“Diaper need is a serious issue,” said Michael Shaver, President and CEO of Children’s Home and Aid. “Infants and toddlers can go through up to 12 diapers per day, and families spend anywhere from $70 to $100 per month per child on diapers, which is an ineligible purchase through SNAP and WIC programs.”
That’s why Illinois legislators hope two new bills will help ease the burden for low-income families.
“No one should have to choose if their lights are gonna be on or if they pay for life saving medication or if their child will be able to have their diaper changed,” said Illinois State Rep. Lakesia Collins. “So this is one step forward in the right direction for our state to ease some of these burdens off the families.”
House Bill 1347 would provide a $30 monthly allowance, while Senate Bill 1294 is proposing $70 per month for each child age three and under.
“To be eligible for this allowance, a family, parent or caregiver would need to have legal guardianship of the child and have a household income that is at or below the Federal Poverty guidelines,” said Illinois State Senator Karina Villa.
Although funding for the program hasn’t been solidified, Villa said the allowances would be regulated by Illinois’ Department of Human Services.
She explained that if approved, the legislation would benefit over 114,000 children across the state of Illinois.
“Being a new parent is hard, and caring for a young child is one of the toughest jobs in the world, on top of worrying about the additional financial burden that job might present,” Villa said. “This legislation will lighten the load and help caregivers and young children all over our state.”
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