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May 8, 2026
California Launches 'Golden State Start' Free Diaper Program for Newborns
- Governor Gavin Newsom announced the 'Golden State Start' initiative, providing 400 free diapers per newborn at 65-75 hospitals starting this summer.
- The program is backed by $19.9 million in state funding, with an initial $7.4 million allocated and an additional $12.5 million proposed for future implementation.
- The initiative will prioritize hospitals serving low-income patients on Medi-Cal, aiming to address widespread diaper need among families.
4 Sources
- California Wants More Babies, So It’s Giving Away 40 Million DiapersMay 8, 2026 at 7:24 PM · WSJ
- Newsom launches California program to provide free diapers to newborns in stateMay 8, 2026 at 7:31 PM · The Hill
- California to provide free diapers to newborns at more than 60 hospitalsMay 8, 2026 at 8:52 PM · ABC News
- Newsom's 'Golden State Start' promises 400 free diapers per baby as California grapples with budget woesMay 9, 2026 at 2:17 AM · Fox News