Efforts to Establish Guaranteed Income Programs in the U.S. Gain Support

An organization, the Economic Security Project (ESP), is working to create guaranteed income programs across the United States. Its objective is to make such policies permanent in California using taxpayer money. Established in 2016, ESP started with 100 individuals including entrepreneurs, activists, researchers, and philanthropists, all advocating for direct cash payments.

The organization has initiated over 100 guaranteed income pilot programs across the nation. Economic Security California, an affiliate of ESP, aims to create a lasting guaranteed income policy in the state. According to the group, they focus on transitioning from pilot projects to impactful state policies, modernizing and expanding these programs to provide direct cash to individuals.

The ESP emphasizes using learnings from state-specific pilots in California, backing their proposals with research and personal accounts. They aim for tax filing processes to be simplified and automatic, ensuring fair tax systems where individuals receive due credits. California leads in the number of guaranteed income programs, having implemented over 60 pilot initiatives.

As stated on their website, ESP suggests integrating guaranteed income with the existing public benefits system, advocating for governmental consideration of taxpayer-funded mechanisms. They recommend exploring funding options beyond philanthropy, such as dedicated local taxes, to support these programs. An example is Los Angeles County’s Breathe program, which is publicly funded through a Poverty Alleviation Initiative, with other cities using the American Rescue Plan Act funds.

With the American Rescue Plan Act funds soon depleting, various mayors are searching for alternative revenue sources. Federal pandemic recovery funds are required to be legally obligated by the end of 2024 and spent by December of this year.

Cook County, Illinois, the second-largest U.S. county, started a new phase of its guaranteed income program following their 2022 pilot. Transitioning to local funding, the Cook County Board allocated $7.5 million from their budget for continued operations.

The ESP views guaranteed income as an effective solution to affordability challenges. They cite substantial evidence showing positive impacts on various issues like economic insecurity, poverty, health, and education.

Michael D. Tubbs, President of Mayors for Guaranteed Income, shares similar views, having implemented such a program in Stockton, California. He argues these cash infusions are crucial for helping low-income families manage high living costs.

ESP continues to collaborate with local governments, advocating for guaranteed income as a means to improve the quality of life for Americans.