Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) is a leading network of city leaders advocating for universal basic income.
They are focused on implementing policies that guarantee a regular, sufficient income for all citizens.
In an era of growing economic disparity, MGI is pushing the boundaries of traditional welfare programs.
They aim to create a safety net that ensures everyone, irrespective of their employment status, has access to their basic needs.
Sounds intriguing, right? Well, get ready because we’re about to dive into the heart of this innovative initiative. In this article, we’re going to cover seven key facts about Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) that you need to know.
From understanding the principles behind this movement to examining its potential impact, we’re going to provide you some valuable insights.
So, if you’ve ever wondered exactly what MGI is all about and why it matters in today’s world, you’re in the right place and about to find out. Let’s get started!
1. The Founding of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income
Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) was founded by Michael D. Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton, California. Tubbs, who served from 2017 to 2020, initiated the first mayoral-led guaranteed income pilot program in the United States.
The idea behind MGI was born out of Tubbs’ Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED). This program provided a select group of residents with $500 per month for two years, without any conditions.
The success of SEED further inspired Tubbs to establish MGI in June 2020. The goal was to replicate the positive outcomes of his pilot program on a larger scale, across a network of cities.
As of now, MGI has grown significantly with numerous mayors joining the movement. Each member city is committed to launching its own guaranteed income pilot program and advocating for state and federal policy change.
MGI is supported by various philanthropic organizations including the Economic Security Project, which provided initial funding to establish the coalition. MGI also received a generous donation from Twitter’s CEO, Jack Dorsey, which significantly boosted their work.
2. The Principles Behind Mayors for a Guaranteed Income
The philosophy of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) is rooted in the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI). UBI is an economic model where every citizen receives a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government.
However, MGI’s approach slightly differs from the traditional UBI model.
While UBI typically proposes a national program, MGI emphasizes the role of local governments. They believe cities, being closest to their citizens, are best suited to implement and manage such programs.
The fundamental principles of MGI can be summarized as:
- Universal: Every citizen is eligible to receive the income.
- Unconditional: There are no strings attached – recipients are free to spend it as they see fit.
- Individual: The income is given to individuals, not households.
- Regular: The income is provided on a regular basis, typically monthly.
MGI sees guaranteed income as a tool for social justice and economic equity. They view it as a way to address systemic issues like poverty, inequality, and financial instability that are prevalent in many cities.
3. Pilot Programs and Experiments
One of the core strategies of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) is to launch pilot programs in member cities.
These pilots are designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of guaranteed income in real-world scenarios.
The first city to launch a pilot under the MGI banner was the city of Stockton.
The Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) provided a monthly stipend of $500 to 125 residents for two years.
The results showed that participants were less stressed, healthier, and more able to find better jobs or negotiate better working conditions.
Other cities, inspired by SEED’s success, have also launched their own pilots.
For instance, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the People’s Prosperity Pilot provides $500 monthly to 150 families for up to 18 months.
Similarly, Pittsburgh’s Assured Cash Experiment gives $500 per month to 200 residents for two years.
These experiments are crucial for MGI’s mission. They provide valuable data that helps in understanding the benefits and potential challenges of implementing guaranteed income on a larger scale.
Moreover, they serve as practical examples that can persuade other cities, states, and even the federal government to consider adopting similar policies.
4. The Advocacy Work of MGI
Beyond implementing pilot programs, Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) is actively involved in advocacy work.
They aim to influence public opinion and policy-making at the local, state, and federal level.
MGI advocates for the benefits of a guaranteed income, such as its potential to alleviate poverty, reduce financial stress, and contribute to better health outcomes. They present the data and findings from their pilot programs to substantiate these claims.
In addition to promoting guaranteed income, MGI also challenges prevailing biases and misconceptions about welfare programs.
They counter the narrative that such initiatives encourage laziness or are financially unsustainable.
MGI works closely with policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
Their goal is to create a supportive environment where guaranteed income policies can be adopted and sustained.
As part of their advocacy efforts, MGI also collaborates with researchers and academic institutions. They contribute to the growing body of knowledge on guaranteed income and its implications for society.
5. The Impact of Covid-19 on MGI’s Mission
The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly amplified the relevance of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI)’s mission.
As millions of people lost jobs and faced economic hardship, the call for a guaranteed income has become even more urgent.
In response to the crisis, MGI has been at the forefront of advocating for immediate and long-term income support. They have emphasized that a guaranteed income can serve as a lifeline in such unpredictable times.
The pandemic has also highlighted the gaps and limitations in the existing welfare system. MGI argues that a guaranteed income could address these issues more effectively and equitably.
Interestingly, the pandemic has also led to increased public and political interest in the concept of a guaranteed income.
This has opened up new opportunities for MGI to push for policy changes and expand their network of participating cities.
While the pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges, it has also underscored the importance of MGI’s work and the potential impact a guaranteed income can have on individuals and communities.
6. The Future Vision of MGI
Looking ahead, Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) has a clear vision for the future.
They aim to establish a nationwide network of cities implementing guaranteed income policies.
Their ultimate goal is to influence state and federal legislation in favor of a national guaranteed income policy.
MGI plans to continue expanding its pilot programs, learning from each one, and refining their approach.
They are committed to sharing their findings transparently and working collaboratively with other cities interested in launching their own programs.
In addition to expansion, MGI also focuses on sustainability.
They are exploring various funding sources for their programs, including public funds, philanthropic donations, and innovative mechanisms like social impact bonds.
As part of their future vision, MGI is also investing in research and advocacy.
They plan to deepen their understanding of the potential benefits and challenges of a guaranteed income and use this knowledge to further their advocacy efforts.
The path ahead is certainly challenging, but MGI is driven by the belief that a guaranteed income can transform lives and communities for the better.
7. How to Get Involved with MGI
For those inspired by the mission of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), there are several ways to get involved.
You can advocate for a guaranteed income in your city, join a local pilot program, or even donate to MGI to support their work.
If you’re a city leader interested in launching a guaranteed income pilot program, MGI provides resources and guidance to help you get started.
They offer technical assistance, policy guidance, and a supportive network of other city leaders who share similar goals.
For individuals who want to support MGI’s work, you can make a donation through their website.
These funds are used to support the operations of MGI and their pilot programs.
Lastly, you can also spread the word about MGI and the concept of a guaranteed income.
By educating others about the potential benefits and sharing success stories from pilot programs, you can contribute to changing public opinion and fostering a more supportive environment for guaranteed income policies.
Being part of the MGI movement is not just about supporting a policy change; it’s about advocating for social justice and economic equity.
Moving Forward with MGI
The concept of a guaranteed income, and the work of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) in particular, is a rapidly evolving field.
As more cities launch their own pilot programs and as research continues to shed light on the impacts of such initiatives, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged.
If you’re intrigued by the potential of a guaranteed income to address poverty, inequality, and financial instability, consider diving deeper into this subject.
Explore the data from completed pilot programs, follow the progress of ongoing experiments, and stay tuned for new initiatives.
You may also wish to engage in discussions about guaranteed income in your local community.
Learn about the specific needs and challenges your city faces, and consider how a guaranteed income might address them.
Finally, consider reaching out to your local leaders to express your support for a guaranteed income.
As MGI has shown, city leaders can play a crucial role in advancing this innovative policy approach.
Remember, understanding is the first step towards effecting change.
By learning about MGI and the broader movement for a guaranteed income, you’re already contributing to this important conversation.
