ABC News Examines New York City Program That Offers Financial Incentives for Visiting Doctor, Other Behaviors
ABC's "World News" on Wednesday examined a New York City program that pays cash rewards to low-income parents for taking their children to the doctor or engaging in other positive behaviors, such as reviewing their children's school work. The program launched on Wednesday and is funded by $50 million from private contributors, including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Under the program, about 5,000 low-income families will receive various financial rewards as an incentive for doing "small things ... that can make a big difference," such as $200 for taking a child to a doctor and $50 for opening a bank account, "World News" reports.
Bloomberg said he is unsure if the program will be successful in raising the income status of the families but noted that poverty has persisted despite previous and ongoing government efforts. "Shame on us if we don't try to do something new," he said. Bloomberg said the program is similar to other government initiatives that offer tax incentives to encourage people to purchase homes or attend college.
However, Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute said, "It's wrong to teach a parent that the reason that he or she follows his child's education is because it will provide an immediate payoff of 25 or 50 bucks," adding, "He should do that because it's in his child's interest" (Harris, "World News," ABC, 9/12).
Video of the segment is available online.