United Way of Central Maryland is proud to celebrate a series of significant wins from the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session.
“We are grateful to the Maryland General Assembly, and especially to House and Senate leaders, Delegate Aletheia McCaskill, and Senator Kevin Harris, for hearing the voices of families and providers who have been waiting for relief,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland. “The data we are able to share about Maryland’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population has clearly made an impact. From child care needs, to housing relief, these wins are a testament to what is possible when advocates and legislators work together toward a common goal.”
2026 Legislative Wins
Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program
- $20 million secured in the state budget to expand access (HB 849/HB 1321)
- Approximately 2,400 children projected off the waitlist in FY2027
- ECE workforce prioritized for CCS slots
- Parent co-pays reinstated and capped at 7% of family income
Background Check Centralization
- Centralized background checks for childcare providers passed as part of SB359/HB635 and HB 1574
- Builds on United Way’s HB 1254 (2024), which prompted a legislative OPEGA report
- A multi-year advocacy win, advancing child safety and reducing provider burden
Community Schools and CSRAP Funding
- $11 million secured for Community Schools funding
- $6 million secured for CSRAP (Community Schools-Related Programs)
Legislative Testimony & Advocacy Presence
- United Way provided testimony on 6 bills in the 2026 session: SB 467 (Credentialing), HB 543 (Landlord discrimination), HB 849/HB 1321 (CCS exemptions), HB 1321 (CCS co-pays), and HB 1574 (Licensing recommendations), HB883 (Consumer Protection – Artificial Intelligence – Behavioral Health Care Prohibitions), HB33 (Itemized deductions – charitable donations)
- Third consecutive year of participation in Evening in Annapolis for Childcare
- Third consecutive year making childcare the focus of United Way Advocacy Day
“The relationships we have built with legislators are, at their core, based on shared beliefs and the commitment to strengthen the lives and neighborhoods of those we serve. These partnerships have led to stronger advocacy efforts, deeper policy understanding among our advocates, and meaningful progress for ALICE households across Maryland, ensuring that those who are working hard, but still can’t afford life’s basics, are deliberately embedded in the policymaking process.”
United Way looks forward to building on these wins as we prepare for the 2027 legislative session.
About United Way of Central Maryland
United Way of Central Maryland builds healthy and resilient communities, expands youth opportunity, and strengthens financial security through its housing, health, education, and economic advancement programs. For more than 100 years, United Way has addressed ongoing and emerging needs in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties. Learn more at uwcm.org.
