From The Banner · Emily Opilo · · 1m 10s
Baltimore Baby Fund Ballot Question Explained
Baltimore voters could create a fund to boost newborn families' economic stability with $17m from property taxes.
In brief
Baltimore voters could create a fund to boost newborn families' economic stability with $17m from property taxes. Baltimore voters will decide if a $17 million fund from property taxes helps newborn families' economic stability. Originally reported by The Banner.
Quick answers
- What is the Baltimore Baby Fund?
- The ballot question would amend Baltimore’s charter to create a fund promoting economic stability for newborn families.
- How much money would the fund raise?
- The fund would collect $0.03 for every $100 in taxable property value, totaling $17 million in the first year.
- Why was the fund delayed?
- The previous proposal would have paid $1,000 to all newborn families, but the court blocked it to protect legislative discretion.
- Who supports the fund?
- Mayor Brandon Scott and the Maryland Child Alliance want to use the fund for cash assistance with income requirements.
- What will the fund do?
- The fund must enhance newborn families' economic stability without replacing existing newborn funding.
What is the Baltimore Baby Fund?
The ballot question would amend Baltimore’s charter to create a fund promoting economic stability for newborn families.
How much money would the fund raise?
The fund would collect $0.03 for every $100 in taxable property value, totaling $17 million in the first year.
Why was the fund delayed?
The previous proposal would have paid $1,000 to all newborn families, but the court blocked it to protect legislative discretion.
Who supports the fund?
Mayor Brandon Scott and the Maryland Child Alliance want to use the fund for cash assistance with income requirements.
What will the fund do?
The fund must enhance newborn families' economic stability without replacing existing newborn funding.
How will the fund be spent?
The mayor and City Council will decide how to spend the money, with income requirements and support for childcare.
What happens next?
Baltimore voters will decide the fund’s fate in November 2026.
Here's the gist
Baltimore voters will decide if a $17 million fund from property taxes helps newborn families' economic stability.
