Baltimore's "baby bonus" won't appear on ballot after ruled unconstitutional by Maryland Supreme Court
BALTIMORE -- A ballot proposal that would pay new Baltimore City parents $1,000 has been ruled unconstitutional by the Maryland Supreme Court. The question will not appear on the November ballot for city voters.
The Baltimore Baby Bonus campaign wanted the city to provide a one-time, $1,000 payment to new parents, whether through adoption or birth, in order to provide children and families with needed resources. The campaign collected more than the 10,000 signatures required to put the "baby bonus" on the ballot.
Organizers of the campaign estimated the program would cost the city $7 million per year.
The city opposed the initiative, saying it violates state and local laws by circumventing legislators, and that the city did not have the funds to sustain such payments.
https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/maryland-supreme-court-rules-proposed-baltimore-baby-bonus-unconstitutional/