Baltimore voters approve new fund to help families with newborns

Baltimore voters on Tuesday appeared to approve the creation of a new fund designed to support families with newborns. The measure, which passed after the majority of precincts reported, directs a small portion of existing property tax revenue toward a specific city program. The Maryland Child Alliance collected signatures to place the question on the ballot. The plan adds 3 cents to the tax rate for every 100 dollars of taxable property value. The group estimates this change will generate approximately 17 million dollars in the first year.

The 2024 ballot proposal for a similar fund included language that guaranteed direct cash payments to parents. The text approved in 2026 omits that guarantee. Instead, the new charter language creates a fund intended to enhance the economic stability of families with newborns. It also prohibits the city from using this new money to replace existing funding for newborns already in the city budget.

Mayor Brandon Scott has stated his intention to use the revenue for direct cash assistance. In a press conference last month, he said he plans to provide one-time cash payments to parents of newborns enrolled in the program. He also mentioned that recipients might receive additional cash assistance or contributions to a Maryland 529 college savings account. The mayor announced a partnership with the CASH Campaign of Maryland to distribute the funds. That organization previously managed a guaranteed income pilot in the city.

The final details of the program will be decided by the City Council. Councilman Mark Parker, who is first in line to legislate on the issue, said he prefers to see some of the money used for childcare assistance. Several other council members share that view. The council has not yet reached a consensus with the mayor on how the funds will be allocated.

Residents expressed mixed feelings about the measure. Deonna Smiling, 26, a teacher in the city’s school system, voted in favor. She said she thought of her students who struggle with basic care. Jessica Lemon, 37, voted against the measure. She said she supported the idea in theory but opposed it in practice because she knew families with many children who would benefit. She cited concerns about how the city would distribute the money and manage the program.

Voters also addressed other questions on the ballot. Question G appeared to pass, preventing the city from selling or renting its stormwater system as a franchise. Question H, which creates a separate department for water and wastewater services, also received broad support. This change aims to improve the city’s bond rating and prepare for regional management of utilities that serve neighboring jurisdictions.

Question E, which removes the requirement to award contracts to the lowest bidder, also appeared to pass. Proponents argued that the current rule encourages vendors to underbid and then recoup costs through later change orders. Question F, which changes the city’s budget timeline, also appeared to pass but with less enthusiasm. The new rules would require the mayor to present a budget to the council by April 30 and the council to adopt it eight days before the July 1 fiscal year start.