Baltimore voters to decide on Baby Fund to support families with newborns

Baltimore residents will vote this fall on a ballot question to establish the Baltimore Baby Fund, aimed at promoting economic stability for families with newborns in the city, The Baltimore Banner reported.

The fund would be financed by a property tax increase of three cents per $100 of taxable property value, with an estimated $17 million set aside in the first year, according to the Maryland Child Alliance, the group behind the proposal.

This initiative follows a 2024 attempt called the Baltimore Baby Bonus, which would have provided $1,000 payments to parents but was struck down by courts after the mayor challenged it for limiting legislative discretion on city spending.

If approved, the mayor and City Council will decide how to allocate the fund's money, ensuring it enhances economic stability for families with newborns without replacing existing newborn-related city budget funding.

The Maryland Child Alliance and Mayor Brandon Scott have expressed alignment on using the fund for direct cash assistance to families, with a joint statement indicating cooperation moving forward.