Guaranteed Income Initiative in California
A group actively promoting guaranteed income programs nationwide is working toward making this policy permanent in California. Their intention is to fund these efforts through taxpayer dollars.
The Economic Security Project (ESP), established in 2016, comprises a diverse group of entrepreneurs, activists, researchers, and philanthropists committed to facilitating direct cash payments. According to their website, they’ve contributed to over 100 guaranteed income pilot projects throughout the United States.
ESP’s state affiliate, Economic Security California, aims to create a permanent income guarantee program. They expressed their ambition to transition from cash pilots to impactful policies, focusing on enhancing and expanding direct cash initiatives.
“We’re drawing insights from California’s Guaranteed Income Pilot and bolstering our claims with compelling research and personal stories,” the group stated. They advocate for straightforward tax filing processes to ensure people receive the deductions they deserve, aiming for a fair tax system for everyone.
California currently leads the nation with the highest number of guaranteed income programs, having launched over 60 pilot initiatives.
ESP notes that as the state develops a lasting geographic structure, future policy discussions should explore how guaranteed income can complement existing public benefit systems.
The organization is suggesting that government agencies evaluate public funding mechanisms beyond just philanthropy. Options could include local taxes or transforming affordability-focused investments into direct cash support.
For instance, Los Angeles County’s Breeze Program offers fully publicly funded guaranteed income through its Poverty Alleviation Initiative, while other cities use American Rescue Plan Act funds for similar pilot programs.
With the funding from the American Rescue Plan Act diminishing, some mayors are now seeking alternative revenue sources for sustaining guaranteed income programs. Federal guidelines dictate that these pandemic recovery funds must be spent by the end of this year and are legally required to be used by the close of 2024.
In Cook County, Illinois—one of the largest counties in the U.S.—the next phase of its guaranteed basic income program is moving forward after a pilot launch in 2022. To maintain this initiative without federal support, the Cook County Commission approved $7.5 million in guaranteed funding within the local budget, signaling a shift toward local sources of funding.
ESP sees guaranteed income as a vital solution to affordability issues in the U.S. They assert that emerging evidence demonstrates positive impacts on various aspects, including economic insecurity, health, food access, poverty, and socio-economic inequality.
This perspective aligns with remarks made by Michael D. Tubbs, the president of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, in previous discussions, where he highlighted the necessity of consistent cash flow for low-income Americans facing rising costs for essentials like rent and groceries.
