Baltimore ‘baby bonus’ initiative would offer new parents $1,000

Voters will decide in November on a ballot measure that would offer new parents in Baltimore $1,000 in an effort to fight child poverty.

The Baltimore City Board of Elections approved the measure to appear on the ballot last week after it received the required 10,000 signatures. The initiative was spearheaded by the Maryland Child Alliance, a volunteer-run advocacy organization.

“If we’re going to spend a limited amount of money, where do you get the most bang for your buck? Research says at birth,” Nate Golden, president and founder of the Maryland Child Alliance, told the Associated Press. “This could literally have a lifelong impact on a kid.”

The baby bonus would be available to all Baltimore residents regardless of income upon the birth or adoption of a child and would cost about $7 million annually, according to the initiative’s campaign website — 0.16% of the city’s budget.

The initiative would not raise taxes, but it would require an appropriation equal to 0.03% of the city’s property value. The Baltimore City Council would decide how to allocate funding.

Nearly a third of school-aged children in Baltimore are experiencing poverty, according to census data — far above national child poverty levels, which were 12.4% in 2022.

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“The aim is to improve the well-being of children and families, while also having long-term benefits for the economy as a whole,” the campaign website said. “By voting YES on the upcoming November ballot, you can help improve the well-being of children and families in our community while also contributing to long-term economic benefits.”

Baltimore’s ballot measures almost always pass, according to the Baltimore Sun. The last time city voters rejected a measure was in 2004.