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State'backed 'Enough Act' team seeks local partners in Union Bridge to tackle child poverty
Summary
Commissioner Vigliati and Ed Singer presented the Enough Act, a place-based initiative to address child and generational poverty, asking Union Bridge leaders to help identify community partners and a local "community quarterback"; presenters said they are not requesting municipal funding and outlined an RFP and community engagement timeline.
Commissioner Vigliati and Ed Singer briefed the Union Bridge Town Council on Feb. 24, 2025 about the Enough Act, a place-based anti-poverty initiative led by Governor Moore's administration that aims to coordinate local partners to reduce child and generational poverty.
"The Enough Act aims to alleviate poverty by joining forces locally and working together with global partners to be able to do just that," Commissioner Vigliati said, introducing the program and turning the presentation over to Ed Singer of the local management board. Singer said the program focuses on neighborhoods with the highest child poverty rates and described two Carroll County target areas: Westminster and Union Bridge.
Singer said census data show parts of Union Bridge have child poverty rates between 20 and 29 percent, with darker pockets exceeding 30 percent that qualify for competitive grant funding. "Right now, the competitive grants are only available for those that are in those areas that are over 30," Singer said, and he noted the team would look for interim funding, philanthropic partners and ways to redirect local resources while pursuing state grants.
Presenters introduced staff who will do local outreach: Maria Lowery, the local care team coordinator, and Addison Eslinger, the community engagement coordinator. Singer outlined a process that includes hiring a consultant (an RFP was issued) and aims to have a contract in place by early April, community meetings in May and June, and a final report to county commissioners by the end of September.
Council members asked about funding and sustainability; one council member summarized, "So there is no money," and presenters acknowledged that state funding was not guaranteed immediately and that demonstrating local need would be important to attract grants and philanthropic support. The presenters emphasized they were not asking the town for direct financial contributions at this stage.
What happens next: The Enough Act team asked the council to recommend local nonprofit and community partners, help identify neighborhoods to target, and to encourage residents to complete a survey (a QR code and paper copies were offered). Presenters said Addison Eslinger will be the primary contact for community engagement.
