March 18, 2024

Nonprofit seeks state funds for child funerals

DES MOINES (AP) — A nonprofit group wants Iowa lawmakers to approve financial assistance for low-income families who can’t afford to bury their children.

Sing Me To Heaven, a foundation that offers support to families who have lost a child, will visit the Capitol on Tuesday to urge lawmakers to support a bill intended to help low-income families with funeral costs.

The bill would provide $100,000 to be administered through Iowa’s Department of Public Health. Eligible parents and families could then receive up to $2,000 for funeral expenses after the death of a child. The bill is now in the House Appropriations Committee and is still eligible for consideration.

The group has already helped more than 40 families in Iowa, but it says in a statement that more money is needed.