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NARR:
Critics accuse the mayor of hand-holding… of condescending to the city's poor.
But the mayor says the program will help residents adapt to changes taking place around them.
In his weekly radio address, the mayor said many parents aren't preparing their children to succeed in an economy that needs an educated workforce.
ACT: (Bloomberg)
10:11 It is a very different world we're going into and it would be great if all parents understood that. They don't. So let's try to find a solution to the problem. Pay 'em to believe that and at least their kids will have it.
NARR:
The program is based on a model the mayor says has worked in more than 20 countries, including Mexico.
Five thousand families in six neighborhoods will participate in the pilot program… Half will receive up to five thousand dollars in cash incentives every year. The other half won't. By comparing results from both groups, city officials expect they'll be able to determine if the program is working.
NARR:
At Public School 36 on 123rd Street in Manhattan, a mother who preferred to be identified as Yvonne B says she would welcome the extra help.
ACT: (Yvonne)
17:10 I believe in this time we living in if we can give parents a boost to encourage children to do something good. If he is trying to encourage parents in a positive way, why not? Why not??
But Katrina Weston, a 25 year old mother of two, was insulted by Bloomberg's idea that will pay people to parent.
ACT: (Westin)
3:14 It doesn't make any sense. It's your job to take your children to school. Why should he have to bribe you to take your children to school? That makes so sense and I think its wrong.
NARR:
Once the city raises the remaining millions in private money needs, the project will run two years. The city plans to use test scores and other measures to determine if the program is actually helping people climb out of poverty. If officials determine the program has been a success, they will use taxpayer money to fund the program in the years ahead.
SOC:
Lily Jamali, Columbia Radio News.