A nationwide initiative is working towards establishing guaranteed income programs, especially aiming for a permanent policy in California, funded through taxpayer dollars.
Founded in 2016, the Economic Security Project (ESP) includes a diverse group of entrepreneurs, activists, researchers, and philanthropists dedicated to promoting direct cash payments. This organization has been pivotal in launching more than 100 guaranteed income pilots across the U.S.
“We lead the transition from cash pilot initiatives to influential policies, focusing on expanding, modernizing, and scaling programs for direct cash,” states ESP. “We actively shape state policies by drawing insights from California guaranteed income pilots, backing our case with compelling research and the stories of real Californians.”
ESP’s state affiliate, Economic Security California, is pursuing a permanent guaranteed income program in California. With over 60 pilot programs already in place, California leads the nation in guaranteed income initiatives. As these pilot programs advance, future research and policy solutions will evaluate how guaranteed income can complement the existing public benefit system.
ESP suggests governments should consider using taxpayer-funded policy options to maintain these programs. This includes exploring public funding mechanisms beyond philanthropy, such as local taxes dedicated to affordability-focused investments. For instance, LA County’s Guaranteed Income program, part of the Poverty Alleviation Initiative, is entirely publicly funded.
With federal pandemic recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act nearly exhausted, some local governments are seeking alternative revenue sources. Cook County, Illinois, the second-largest county, has continued its guaranteed income initiative by allocating $7.5 million from its local budget.
ESP views guaranteed income as an effective approach to tackle affordability challenges. They cite evidence showing positive impacts on multiple socioeconomic factors, including income, health, food security, poverty, inequality, housing mobility, crime, child development, and education. Michael D. Tubbs, president of Mayors for Guaranteed Income, supports this stance, highlighting its potential to aid low-income Americans against rising living costs.