Baltimore voters have approved a ballot measure to create the "Baltimore Baby Fund," a taxpayer-funded program that will provide direct cash assistance to new and expecting parents. The measure, which amends the city charter to establish a permanent line item in the municipal budget, passed with approximately 70% of the vote.
The Baltimore Baby Fund is expected to generate around $17 million in its first year. According to the mayor's office, all newborns in Baltimore City enrolled in the program will receive a one-time cash payment. Eligible expectant and new parents may also qualify for additional financial aid, including monthly assistance. The Baltimore City Council will be responsible for determining specific disbursement rules and eligibility criteria through future legislation.
The initiative was supported by grassroots organizers and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who is also a national co-chair of Mayors for Guaranteed Income. Organizers cited rising costs of living as a primary driver for the measure's popularity. "Right now, as the cost of the basics like groceries, gas, healthcare, and childcare continues to rise, paychecks haven’t kept up, and families can’t make ends meet," said Shafeka Hashash, director of cash initiatives at the Economic Security Project (ESP). "Then for new parents, the affordability crisis is compounded by an increase in new costs; this is why poverty rises 45% from the last month of pregnancy to the first month after birth."
Advocates suggest that direct financial support offers immediate relief during a critical period for families. "In that exact critical moment, direct cash can cover everyday essentials like diapers or a new crib, or it can offer relief on the bigger financial strains, like the maternity ward bills or daycare payment," Hashash stated. "Voters understood this policy implicitly because it’s simple, and we know it will be efficient and effective."
The passage of the Baltimore Baby Fund builds upon previous initiatives in the city. Mayor Scott previously led the Baltimore Young Families Success Fund, a pilot program that ran from August 2022 to July 2024, providing $1,000 monthly payments to 200 low-income parents using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Emily Yu, campaign manager for the ballot measure effort, highlighted the grassroots support behind its success. "We are public servants and community members that wanted to make this happen, and it's pretty unbelievable that we made it happen," Yu reportedly said. "But it just speaks to the people power in Baltimore City. Clearly, there's an appetite for it, so I would encourage other groups to do the same."