Guaranteed basic income programs have seen a significant rise across the United States, with over 100 pilots initiated since 2018.
This movement, driven by the organization Mayors for Guaranteed Income, aims to offer financial stability to low-income participants.
Michael D. Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton, California, highlighted the economic challenges faced by smaller cities like Stockton.
Despite these limitations, Tubbs launched pilots to gather data that could support broader implementation at the state and federal levels.
Today, Mayors for Guaranteed Income includes 150 mayors advocating for these programs, though they face funding and legal hurdles.
AUSTIN, TEXAS
As Fox News reports, Austin initiated its guaranteed income program in 2022, allocating $1.1 million from taxpayer money and over $500,000 from philanthropic contributions.
The city’s council approved an additional $1.3 million in April to sustain this initiative. This makes Austin the first major city in Texas to utilize tax revenue for such a program.
The scheme aims to reduce housing insecurity, and a recent survey indicates positive impacts in that area.
Highlights of Austin’s Guaranteed Income Program:
- Initial Funding: $1.1 million from taxes, $500,000+ from donations.
- Additional Funding: $1.3 million approved in April.
- Key Focus: Reducing housing insecurity.
- Comparison: San Antonio also runs a similar income pilot.
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS
A guaranteed basic income pilot in Cambridge has garnered positive feedback from its participants.
Eligible individuals are Cambridge residents aged 18 or older, earning below 80% of the area median income, and single caregivers with at least one child under 18.
With significant success, the city expanded the program last year, renaming it Rise Up.
It utilized $22 million from COVID relief funds and philanthropic contributions to offer $500 monthly cash assistance for 18 months to around 2,000 families across the city.
Currently, maintaining funding for this initiative poses a challenge. Federal COVID relief funds are dwindling, and a Massachusetts law prevents the use of the city’s budget to support the program.
This financial constraint is a concern for city officials as they work to sustain Rise Up for the benefit of deserving families.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
In 2022, Phoenix initiated a universal basic income program funded with $12 million of federal COVID relief.
This initiative provided 1,000 low-income families with $1,000 each month for a year. To qualify for this program, participants had to earn less than 80% of the city’s median income of $63,200.
Rep. Lupe Diaz, a Republican, voiced strong opposition to the program, likening it to socialism.
Diaz subsequently introduced House Bill 2375, aimed at banning guaranteed basic income programs in Arizona.
This bill gained unanimous support from Republican representatives but did not receive any backing from Democrats.
The Arizona House of Representatives passed the bill in March, but it awaits approval from the state senate. The senate comprises 16 Republicans and 14 Democrats, and their decision will determine the bill’s fate.
HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
The Harris County Commissioners Court took a significant step last year by approving a program named Uplift Harris with a vote of 4-1. This initiative aimed to provide direct financial support to its participants.
It offered $500 per month for a duration of 18 months. The endeavor began on January 12, gathering substantial interest and enrolling 1,924 applicants.
Despite the program’s positive reception, it faced legal challenges. The Texas Supreme Court issued a ruling preventing Harris County from continuing the guaranteed income program.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton contested the initiative, labeling it as “plainly unconstitutional.”
He maintained that the program contradicts the principles outlined in the Texas Constitution. A state lawmaker echoed this sentiment and described it as “lottery socialism.”
Reactions to the Ruling:
- Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee expressed his frustration, stating that local governments have a duty to assist those in need.
- Menefee emphasized that the program proved highly effective in helping lower-income individuals escape poverty.
Though the Supreme Court’s decision halted the initiative, the debate highlighted broader issues. Proponents argue that guaranteed income programs offer a crucial lifeline for struggling households. Critics, however, often view such programs through a political lens, questioning their constitutionality and practicality.
Comparison with Other Counties:
Several other regions have launched similar pilot programs:
- Cook County, Illinois
- Wayne County, Michigan
- Los Angeles County, California
Michael Tubbs, a prominent advocate, contends that opposition is often rooted in a disconnect between elected officials and their communities. He points out that guaranteed income enjoys support among American voters, including a notable percentage of Republicans.
The dialogue around Uplift Harris underscores a larger conversation about economic support systems, fiscal policy, and the role of local government. The initiative in Harris County has been halted, but the discussions it sparked continue to resonate, reflecting broader societal questions about support, fairness, and the responsibilities of government bodies.
