Los Angeles City Council members are proposing to expand a successful program providing guaranteed income monthly to domestic abuse survivors and foster youth, but some critics argue it may reduce work motivation and reliance on government aid.
LA City Council Proposes $5 Million Expansion of Guaranteed Income Program to Support Domestic Abuse Victims and Foster Youth
According to the report of Patch, on July 30, 2024, three Los Angeles City Council members introduced a plan to expand a program that gives people a guaranteed monthly income. This program, called BIG, helps victims of domestic abuse and young people who are transitioning out of foster care. They want to use $4 to $5 million to extend the program, which previously gave $1,000 a month to 3,200 low-income households from January 2022 to March 2023. The program helped families buy necessities and reduce food shortages.
The council members spoke about the success of the pilot program at a news conference. They reported that BIG improved lives by providing financial help for emergencies and long-term needs. Research from experts also showed that the guaranteed income might help lower domestic violence and support young people moving out of foster care.
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$4-5 Million Expansion: LA City Council Proposes Widening Guaranteed Income Program to Combat Domestic Abuse and Foster Youth Poverty (PHOTO: Random Lengths News)
Critics Warn Expanded Guaranteed Income Could Reduce Work Incentives and Increase Dependence on Government Aid
However, not everyone agrees with expanding the guaranteed income. Some critics believe that giving guaranteed income could reduce people’s motivation to work and lead to more dependence on government aid. They argue that this money should come from voluntary donations rather than tax dollars. Other places in California, like Oakland and San Francisco, have tried similar programs with mixed results.
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