Newsom launches Golden State Start free diaper program for newborns

Gov. Gavin Newsom is doling out a taxpayer-supported gift to new parents by promising hundreds of diapers for every baby born in California under a new statewide program.

The Democrat announced Friday that the state will partner with nonprofit Baby2Baby to distribute 400 free diapers to families leaving participating hospitals starting this summer. The initiative, called “Golden State Start,” is billed as a first-in-the-nation effort to alleviate the high cost of raising children.

“Every baby born in California deserves a healthy start in life,” Newsom said in a statement, suggesting the plan was part of an effort to combat affordability.

CALIFORNIA SHINE BUT IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR ALL OF US

Under the program, hospitals will distribute diapers directly to parents after discharge. The early rollout will prioritize facilities that serve low-income patients on Medi-Cal, with plans to expand statewide, officials said.

Newsom’s office said the program will be offered in its first year at about 65 to 75 hospitals, which account for about a quarter of the state’s births and serve mostly low-income patients. Associated Press.

The move is the latest in a series of family-focused spending initiatives by the Newsom administration, which already include free school meals and universal preschool for 4-year-olds.

Critics are likely to object to the program’s price tag, especially as California navigates a tightening fiscal environment. Fox News Digital reached out to the governor’s office regarding the cost of the program.

The state allocated $7.4 million in last year’s budget to launch the free diaper initiative, and Gov. Newsom’s latest proposal calls for an additional $12.5 million to be implemented through the fiscal year ending June 2027, according to the Associated Press.

But these spending targets conflict with a serious economic reality.

in it January budget overviewThe Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) noted that the administration has officially projected a $2.9 billion deficit for 2026-27, but the long-term outlook is much more dire. LAO warns the province faces structural deficits of $20 billion to $35 billion annually in coming years

The state partnered with the nonprofit Baby2Baby to produce the diapers under the “Golden State Start” label. (Governor Gavin Newsom)

State officials have also said they are looking for ways to take on major diaper brands and lower prices.

Baby2Baby, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that distributes supplies to children in need, will handle the production and logistics of the program. The group says that the need for diapers is widespread and that one in every two families has difficulty meeting this need.

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL DISTRICT INFORMED PARENTS: Menstrual products for ‘every student who menstruates’ WILL BE IN BATHROOMS

Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof praised the partnership as “historic” and said it will help families at one of their most financially sensitive moments.

“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Newsom for his continued commitment to combating diaper needs in California, and we couldn’t be more proud to partner on this historic initiative that will support mothers and babies during their most vulnerable times,” Weinstein and Patricof said in a joint statement. they said.

Newsom’s office said the program will be offered in its first year at about 65 to 75 hospitals, which account for about a quarter of the state’s births and serve mostly low-income patients. (Governor Gavin Newsom)

The announcement comes two years after Tennessee and Delaware became the first U.S. states to offer free diapers to families enrolled in Medicaid programs that provide health care to low-income families.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

Tennessee families can go to drugstores to pick up 100 diapers a month for their children under two. Delaware’s program, which began as a pilot before the state expands coverage in 2024, provides individuals with up to 80 diapers and up to one pack of baby wipes per week for the first 12 weeks.

Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan and the Associated Press contributed to this report.