America has become so low on the taking care of our own scale that we have nowhere to go but up. I think this opens up the possibility of us putting in more programs at a local level. We all have to do our part and not expect people to swoop in and take care of us. We also have become numb to nothing happening with our federal government, we can’t give into that. It’s our local levels that make the difference, that’s why the nazis, evangelicals classists, and/or racists go after those first.
There are currently 47 active guaranteed income initiatives across the country, almost half of which target mothers and low-income people. Policymakers have also recently greenlit guaranteed income pilot programs in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Harris County, Texas, and Rochester, New York. While some of these programs are income based or target those impacted by racial inequity, others target different marginalized groups, like Durham, North Carolina’s cash assistance pilot for formerly incarcerated people.
Advocates across the board say guaranteed income programs uplift their participants and provide them autonomy. Research suggests that these programs, including the expanded child tax credit, enhance participants’ well-being, self-determination, and financial stability.