City to announce guaranteed income to squeegee kids if they stay off corners

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — The city is expected to announce next week the offer of a guaranteed income if squeegee kids stay out of city intersections.

The size of the paycheck is still unclear; however, the city is currently offering potential criminals $375 a month in a separate program if they refrain from shooting other people.

Directors of the city's Group Violence Reduction Strategy detailed the stipend program at City Hall on Wednesday.

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If participants remain crime-free, the city vows to provide educational opportunities, housing assistance, and stipends for completing a resume, going on a job interview, and meeting with a life coach.

"In order to incentivize folks and give them an opportunity to advance in their life,"explained Director Shantay Jackson.

"I don't care if you give them $3,000. That doesn't resolve the issue," insisted Kinji Scott, former Director of Maryland's Juvenile Justice Coalition.

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The strategy is currently being deployed in Baltimore's western district, and city leaders are studying whether to expand the program.

However, Scott believes it'll do little to remedy the core problem.

"We don't pay children not to be bad. We show them how not to be bad," said Scott.

"This is a great insult,"said Scott.