Baltimore Baby Bonus

The Baltimore Baby Bonus Fund is a proposed Charter Amendment from the Maryland Child Alliance that would create a program to provide direct financial support to new parents in Baltimore City. The program would offer a one-time payment of at least $1,000 to Baltimore city residents upon the birth or adoption of a child. The aim is to improve the well-being of children and families, while also having long-term benefits for the economy as a whole. 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.

Our Statement on the State Supreme’s Court’s 8/29 decision to remove the Baltimore Baby Bonus from this year’s ballot:

“We are deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court of Maryland's decision to prevent the Baltimore Baby Bonus from appearing on the November ballot. This ruling denies Baltimore voters the opportunity to decide on a policy that could have supported families welcoming new children. Our city had a chance to ensure that every newborn's basic needs would be met. We are heartbroken for the families who were counting on the Baby Bonus payment, and who will now struggle that much more to provide for their children.

While this is a significant setback, we remain committed to finding ways to reduce child poverty and support Baltimore families. Once we receive the full court decision, we ill carefully review it to determine potential next steps, including possibly revising the amendment language for a future ballot initiative.

We want to sincerely thank the thousands of Baltimore residents who signed petitions and supported this grassroots effort. Your voices matter and demonstrated the strong desire for Baltimore to provide direct cash to families and children. This setback will not deter us from continuing to fight for Baltimore's children and families.

We will share more information and potential next steps in the coming months as we await the court's full decision. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to making Baltimore a city where all children can thrive.”

Upcoming Event:

Rally For the Kids

Join us at this free event to celebrate with the BBB team, network with other local child-advocacy organizations for other volunteer opportunities, and learn about our next steps.

Thursday, September 19

5:00-7:30 PM

 Key Milestones

Evidence suggests that the most crucial part of our lives are the months just after we are born. Our brains begin to develop, habits start to form, and our foundation for lifelong learning, behavior, and health is established.

  • Learning and problem-solving are crucial skills that help children navigate their environment and succeed in various tasks.

  • Babies begin developing social-emotional skills from an early age. Interacting with others plays a crucial role in this developmental process. These interactions help babies learn to regulate their emotions, develop relationships, and communicate their needs effectively.

  • Comprehending language and speaking are important milestones in a baby's development. Babies start to understand words and simple commands before they can articulate words themselves.

  • Babies develop their fine motor skills by using small muscles to pick up and hold objects. This is a crucial milestone in their physical development.

  • Babies develop their gross motor skills by using large muscles to sit, walk, and move. These skills are essential for their physical development and overall well-being. As babies continue to grow and develop, these gross motor skills will play a crucial role in their ability to explore the world around them.

$$$

At the same time, families often face economic vulnerability. When a child is born, family costs rise while incomes fall, leaving families unable to afford essentials like diapers, formula, and healthcare.

Expected Outcomes

Providing cash payments during this critical time can stabilize family incomes, guarantee that children have the necessary resources to thrive, and create a lasting positive impact on their development.

  • Cash payments to new parents can have a positive impact on decreasing crime rates. Research has shown that children growing up in financially stable households are less likely to engage in criminal activities later in life. By investing in new parents through cash payments, we can potentially create a ripple effect that leads to safer communities and a reduction in crime rates.

  • Providing cash payments to new parents can lead to decreased healthcare costs by enabling families to access preventive care, such as well-baby check-ups and vaccinations. With financial assistance, parents may be more likely to seek timely medical attention for their infants, reducing the need for costly emergency room visits or prolonged hospital stays. By promoting early intervention and wellness practices, cash payments can contribute to healthier outcomes for both babies and parents, ultimately leading to potential savings in healthcare expenses over the long term.

  • By providing financial support during the crucial early years, parents may have more resources to invest in educational materials, activities, or programs for their children. This additional financial assistance can help create a more conducive learning environment, leading to improved academic performance and higher educational achievement.

  • Cash payments can help alleviate financial stress for new parents, allowing them to focus on their families and potentially return to work sooner, further bolstering the workforce and productivity levels. By supporting new parents financially, we can create a positive ripple effect that benefits both families and the economy as a whole.

  • Cash payments to new parents can lead to increased mental health by alleviating financial stress and allowing parents to focus on their well-being and bonding with their newborn. With the financial burden eased, new parents may experience reduced anxiety and depression, leading to improved mental health outcomes for both parents and their child. By providing this support, we aim to promote a positive environment for families to thrive and ensure a healthier start for the next generation.

The Amendment

Baltimore has an incredible opportunity to be the first city in the United States to invest directly in the future of our youngest residents. The Maryland Child Alliance is excited to announce our proposed Charter Amendment that would create the Baltimore Baby Bonus Fund, a program that responds to the overwhelming evidence of the positive impact of direct financial support for new parents. By investing in our families and their newborns, we are investing in the future of our city.

Baltimore Baby Bonus

Menu

Social

Let’s stay connected