By Jasper Martus, Michigan State Representative | June 2026
Young Americans are increasingly worried about their financial futures. Nearly half of Gen Z say they are worried they won’t be able to save for emergencies, according to a recent poll by YouGov. Many households report having little financial cushion if their income suddenly stopped, with a recent DepositAccounts survey showing 37% of Americans have less than $500 set aside, and nearly half (45%) wouldn’t be able to cover more than a month of essential expenses if their income stopped. The same survey found that as the cost of living rises, 66% of households were forced to rely on savings in the last year just to cover everyday expenses.
As the cost of living continues to rise, more families are dipping into savings simply to cover everyday expenses. Faced with these realities, we have to ask: what opportunities will be available to the next generation?
In politics and life, it is easy to chase after instant gratification. Whether it is a viral TikTok that boosts someone’s following or a policy win so simple that it fits on a bumper sticker, many politicians make a splash then get out of the pool. What’s harder for them to do is to make necessary, long-term investments into initiatives that matter for future generations. Some of the most consequential public investments from the architects of American history succeeded because leaders were willing to think beyond the next budget cycle or election. Michigan has the opportunity to think beyond the petty partisan politics of today and instead act boldly to invest in our future with the adoption of programs like Baby Bonds.
I am proud to be a part of this growing movement of legislators across the country pushing for this transformative program. While the goal of reducing the racial wealth gap remains the core focus of our legislation, I also believe this policy can turn around Michigan’s declining population. For most of the last 30 years, Michigan has ranked second-to-last for population growth in the nation and has lost an estimated 65,000 residents to other states over the prior five years. This year was the first time in 35 years that Michigan’s population saw an increase.
Michigan has always had advantages, including proximity to the Great Lakes, our diverse cultures, and natural beauty, to name a few. But those advantages are most powerful when paired with policies that make it easier for people to build a life here. Recent investments in education, workforce opportunities, and family support have helped make Michigan a more affordable and attractive place to put down roots.
Some of those programs include Rx Kids (a direct cash payment program for eligible pregnant women and new mothers, which offers $1,500 mid-pregnancy cash assistance and then $500 a month up to a year of the baby’s life), universal free pre-k, and increasing Michigan’s match of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to help reduce financial pressures on families today. I believe that Baby Bonds would complement those investments by extending opportunity into the next generation, ensuring children themselves have a foundation for future wealth-building.
While the full impact of Baby Bonds would unfold over decades, the message they send is immediate: every child deserves a meaningful stake in their future. Young people who want to start a family would reconsider moving out of state. Kids growing up would know that their educational or career opportunities are attainable. Leaders here would demonstrate that they can operate above the political noise and truly deliver for our state’s future. Baby Bonds ask us to think beyond today’s challenges and invest in tomorrow’s opportunities. For Michigan, that is an investment worth making.
Rep. Jasper Martus represents Michigan’s 69th House District, serving communities across Genesee County, including Flushing, Clio, Swartz Creek, and Mount Morris. Now in his second term, he focuses on expanding economic opportunity, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring Michigan’s children have the tools they need to succeed.