A group of Baltimore teachers is asking voters to approve a program that would give $1,000 to new parents in hopes of reducing childhood poverty starting from birth. The “baby bonus” will appear on the ballot for city residents in November, after supporters secured the necessary 10,000 signatures to bring the question to voters.
Nate Golden, president of the Maryland Child Alliance, poses for a portrait with a petition form for the Baltimore Baby Fund, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in Baltimore . Nate Golden, president of the Maryland Child Alliance, poses for a portrait, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in Baltimore . A group of Baltimore teachers is asking voters to approve a program that would give $1,000 to new parents in the hopes of reducing childhood poverty starting from birth.
Organizers behind the Baltimore campaign say more systemic change is needed on a national level to help lift families out of poverty, but giving new parents a modest financial boost could prove an important first step.Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says light rail planned for Baltimore Golden said he sees similar scenarios playing out in his classroom every school year — with students who are experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, gun violence and countless other challenges.
An estimated 7,000 children are born in Baltimore each year, so the program would cost about $7 million annually, which is roughly 0.16% of the city’s annual operating budget, according to supporters. The initiative won’t result in higher taxes, but it will be up to Baltimore’s City Council to allocate funds if it passes.
No one contends that $1,000 is a life-changing amount of money. But it could help cover some of the many costs that come with having a baby, including paying for diapers, formula, strollers, cribs and more, she said. And for new parents living on society’s margins, it could make a real difference.
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