Guaranteed basic income (GBI) programs across various U.S. states, like California’s ‘Breathe’ program in Los Angeles and initiatives in cities such as Long Beach and Denver.
Experimenting with Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Programs Across U.S. States
Guaranteed basic income (GBI) programs are gaining momentum in several U.S. states, aiming to provide financial stability without traditional welfare requirements. In California and the ‘Breathe’ program in Los Angeles offers $1,000 monthly for three years to over 1,000 low-income residents. Other cities like Long Beach, Mountain View, and Sonoma County provide $500 every 12-24 months to eligible individuals. Colorado’s Denver initiative divides 800 participants into groups receiving varying amounts monthly or upfront payments, according to the report of Marca.
READ ALSO: How Does Child Tax Credit Helping Low-Income Families
(photo: Marca.com)
Expanding the Reach of Localized Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Initiatives in the United States
Several states including Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and Texas, have localized GBI programs in specific cities. These initiatives target diverse groups like low-income families pregnant women and homeless individuals providing direct financial support to meet their basic needs.
Despite their success stories, GBI programs face challenges from lawmakers concerned about sustainability and potential disincentives to work. However, they represent a promising strategy in addressing poverty and inequality, offering economic security and resilience to vulnerable populations. The evolution and expansion of these programs will continue to shape social welfare policy debates in the United States.
