California is expanding guaranteed basic income programs across various counties, aiming to alleviate poverty by providing direct financial assistance to low-income families, supported by research on its potential benefits.
California Expands Guaranteed Basic Income Programs to Address Economic Disparities
According to Cal Matters, in California, more families are getting help through guaranteed basic income programs. In Fresno County, 150 households in Southwest Fresno and Huron will start receiving $500 each month on prepaid cards. This support comes after Fresno wasn’t chosen for a state pilot program despite high poverty rates. Andy Levine from the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission believes this money can improve health, reduce stress, and even help people find jobs. Researchers from Fresno State will study how it affects families and children.
Sacramento County is also starting a pilot program giving $725 each month to 200 Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native families. In Pomona, another program recently closed applications to give $500 monthly to eligible residents for 18 months. Sean Kline, an advisor on these programs, says they’re growing because of wider income gaps, worsened by the pandemic and a focus on racial fairness after George Floyd’s death. These programs aim to help people directly and challenge ideas about poverty by trusting recipients with no strings attached.
READ ALSO: Baltimore Mayor And City Council Sue To Block $1,000 ‘Baby Bonus’ Referendum – Stoking Controversy Over Direct Democracy And Child Poverty
$2.3 Million in Guaranteed Basic Income Programs Launched in California, Pioneering Efforts to Combat Poverty and Inequality (PHOTO: Teen Vogue)
California’s Guaranteed Basic Income Programs Set to Shape Future Policy Debates
These initiatives in California could influence state and federal policies by showing how effective direct financial help can be in fighting inequality and promoting fairness. Evaluations will keep track of how well these programs work and if they can be sustainable solutions to poverty and inequality statewide.
READ ALSO: 363-Mile Range, $34,990 Price: Tesla Unveils New Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 Variant – Check It Now!
