Cities Grapple with Sustainability of Guaranteed Income Programs as Federal Aid Winds Down
Cities Across the U.S. Grapple with Sustaining Guaranteed Income Programs as Federal Funding Dwindles
In 2023, the city of Alameda, California had a lot of money—$212.86 million to be exact which was more than they ever had before. This increase was partly because of help from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) a federal program to aid during the pandemic. Alameda used some of this money to start a special program called guaranteed income. They gave $1,000 every month to 150 people who needed it. The ARPA money is running out and cities like Alameda have to figure out how to keep these programs going. Some cities like Denver are using their own money to keep things running. Like Los Angeles think these programs might actually save money in the long run by helping people in need.
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Guaranteed Income Programs Seek New Funding Opportunities to Expand Support (PHOTO: thecentersquare.com)
Exploring Funding Options for Sustainable Guaranteed Income Programs amid Federal Funding Uncertainty
Experts are studying these programs to figure out what works best and how to pay for them. They say governments could use different taxes or funds to keep guaranteed income programs going. The goal is to help people who need it most while making sure cities can afford it too.
