Baltimore voters to decide on Baby Bonus program as questions remain over cost, oversight

Baltimore City, MD (WBFF) — Baltimore City voters will decide Tuesday whether to establish a permanent fund providing cash payments to families with newborns, a proposal backed by Mayor Brandon Scott but facing criticism over its cost and unanswered questions about how it would operate.

Question I, commonly referred to as the Baltimore Baby Bonus, would require the city to set aside an estimated $17 million annually to support families with newborns. The proposal follows a pilot program that provided 200 selected families with $1,000 a month after the birth of a child.

One participant, Ariana Williams, said the payments helped her secure an apartment, find a job and begin saving for emergencies. Mayor Scott argues the program would give children a stronger start in life while providing financial stability for parents.

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“I would encourage all of our residents to vote yes,” Scott said, “Direct cash payments to families of infants has been tied to improvements in test scores, higher future income for parents and young people, fewer referrals to CPS, and less time spent in foster care.”

Under the proposal, the city would be required to dedicate three cents for every $100 of taxable property value to the fund each year. The fund could also receive private donations and grants.

However, taxpayer advocate David Williams questions if the city cannot afford another long-term financial commitment, particularly one tied to property taxes.

“Citizens in Baltimore City need to see some sort of relief. When you have funding tied to property taxes, it’s going to be more difficult for property taxes to be cut,” Williams said.

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Williams also raised concerns about oversight and unanswered questions surrounding the program’s operations.

While a new executive order from Scott outlines plans for one-time payments to families with newborns and additional monthly assistance for qualifying low-income families, the exact payment amounts and eligibility requirements have not been finalized.

“This fund is not ready to be voted on because there are still a lot of unanswered questions about how big this program will be,” Williams said.

Supporters argue the initiative would be an investment in Baltimore’s future, while critics question whether taxpayers have enough information to make that decision.

Ultimately, voters will have the final say on Tuesday.