Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy

Exploring Baby Bonds
2026-03-31 - 2026-05-05 | Virtual on Zoom
New National Polling on Baby Bonds
What the Data Means for Policy Now
March 31, 1–2 p.m. EST The Wealth–Health Connection
Evidence for Baby Bonds as a Public Health Strategy
April 16, 2–3 p.m. EST A Mother’s Day Special
The “Superbundle” Approach to Maternal Health and Wealth
May 5, 2–3 p.m. EST Register for Session 1Register for Session 2Register for Session 3This session features researchers from Johns Hopkins University – Dr. Catherine Ettman and Dr. Andrew Anderson – presenting fresh 2025 national polling data on support for Baby Bonds, highlighting public opinion trends, messaging insights, and emerging connections between health and wealth. A bipartisan panel of state leaders including Comptroller of Maryland Brooke Lierman (D), Vermont State Representative Ashley Bartley (R), and Washington State Treasurer Michael Pellicciotti (D) will discuss policy implications. ln session 2, leading health scholars, Dr. Sarah C. DeSilvey, Dr. Patricia Welch Saleeby, and Dr. Tiffany Younger will focus on how wealth - not just income - shapes health, stress, and long-term wellbeing. This conversation will explore Baby Bonds as an evidence-based strategy addressing social drivers of health and reducing disparities. The final session spotlights Vermont’s maternal health “Superbundle,” an integrated model combining basic-needs support, direct cash assistance, and Baby Bonds to improve maternal and child outcomes while building long-term financial security. Join Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak and national partners like Dr. Megan Smith of the National Diaper Bank Network, Hilary Hahn of the MOMS Partnership, Madeline Brown with the Urban Institute, Suzanna Fritzberg of The Bridge Project, and moderator Kenn Harris.
