ENOUGH Act asks poor neighborhoods to create their own poverty-fighting plan
By David Collins
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BALTIMORE (WBAL) — Gov. Wes Moore has a new plan intended to fight poverty in Maryland.
The governor’s ENOUGH Act calls on poor neighborhoods to come up with plans to lift the community out of poverty. In return, they would get the funding they need to put the plan in motion.
According to the governor’s office, the ENOUGH Act would address gaps in existing funding streams to support children and families, from early child care and education to affordable housing, public safety and support for civic infrastructure.
Partnerships under the act would include at least one community-based nonprofit organizations, one local government entity and one local public school. Partnerships may also include unions or worker organizations; anchor institutions, like local health care organizations; institutions of higher education; small businesses; local law enforcement; or faith-based organizations.
The state’s goal is to tackle the root causes of poverty.
“Enough with struggling schools. Enough with antiquated strategies. Enough of violence being the voice of our community. Enough of being the victim of our own circumstances. Today, we redefine ‘enough,'” said Amin Flowers, pastor at LIFE (Living In Future Expectation) Church Ministries in Brooklyn.
Flowers preached to a choir of political and community leaders on Monday in support of Moore’s new plan that sets aside $15 million.
“I think one of the great things about ENOUGH is that we have a unified goal and a unified focus that we are able to engage multiple sectors in order to accomplish them,” Moore said.
Plans created by neighborhoods would be vetted by the Maryland Governor’s Office for Children. If approved, money would become available from state and private sources to carry it out.
“It will help us tackle the root causes of poverty and usher in a new era for Marylanders, particularly for Baltimoreans across our great city,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said.
Moore made the announcement near the location of the July 2023 Brooklyn mass shooting in which two people were killed and 28 others were injured. According to Moore, one in two Brooklyn children live in poverty, and one in three students will not finish high school. The median income is $35,000.
“It’s about focused collaborative effort, not just by the government, but with philanthropic partners with the private sector, with agencies, with a dedicated focus collaborating on a dedicated space. That’s how we make change,” said Senate President Bill Ferguson, D-District 46.
The bill will be heard in February. If passed and signed by the governor, it would take effect in July.
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