Wes Moore Budget: Maryland Governor Tackles Childhood Poverty with New Legislation

With the 2024 legislative session underway, Maryland Governor Wes Moore Budget has led a major effort to address generational wealth gaps and childhood poverty.

Governor Wes Moore Budget for Poverty (Photo: Google)

Governor Wes Moore Budget  Bold Initiative to Combat Concentrated Poverty in Maryland

Governor Moore announced the ENOUGH (Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households) Act of 2024 on Monday to alleviate concentrated poverty in Maryland’s rural, suburban, and urban areas.

Governor Moore explained the ENOUGH Act at a Brooklyn news conference at LIFE Church Ministries. The bill offers a grant scheme involving governmental, private, and philanthropic money. These monies will target generational poverty-stricken communities to create safer, economically vibrant communities. Community leaders can submit applications to the newly created Governor’s Office for Children’s grant program. Governor Moore says the $15 million grant funds for the first year are “an important down payment on a larger fight toward ending concentrated poverty.”

Governor Moore said state and local governments should involve community leaders in decision-making because people closest to the problems know the solutions. The ENOUGH Act, the first state-sponsored child poverty solution, continues Governor Moore’s campaign vow.

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Governor Wes Moore’s Past Advocacy and Personal Connection

Governor Moore was the CEO of Robin Hood, a New York City poverty-fighting group, before entering politics. Based on his past experiences, he stressed smart finance and community-based strategy. Governor Moore said poverty is caused by governmental, legislative, and policy decisions. Governor Wes Moore budget declaration was enhanced by the Brooklyn press conference, a symbol of tragedy and perseverance. He recalled a local mass shooting, highlighting the community’s ongoing poverty.

Governor Moore said the median income in Maryland is $98,000, and one in eight children lives in poverty. Brooklyn’s median income is $35,000, and half of the children live in poverty. At the news conference, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott stressed Brooklyn’s historical neglect and willful disinvestment. House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson also supported the ENOUGH Act, committing to fighting child poverty in Maryland.

Governor Wes  Moore Budget concluded that fighting child poverty is the state’s goal and that collaboration is needed to establish a better future.

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