Baltimore Voters to Decide on $1,000 'Baby Bonus' Initiative

Proposal aims to reduce childhood poverty with a one-time payment to new parents; funding and tax implications debated.

The 'baby bonus' initiative would provide $1,000 to all new parents in Baltimore if approved by voters in November.
The program, expected to cost $7 million annually, would be funded without raising taxes but requires city council allocation.
Supporters argue the initiative could have long-term benefits for children's well-being and the local economy.
Critics worry about the financial implications, especially with a concurrent proposal to reduce property taxes on the ballot.
The initiative is modeled after a similar program in Flint, Michigan, and aims to highlight the need for systemic poverty solutions.