States Push Back Against Guaranteed Income With New Bans
More than 100 pilots have been advanced across the US to give low-income residents monthly cash payments. Now some legislatures are blocking them.
Michael Tubbs, former mayor of Stockton, California, co-founded a coalition of cities and counties who support guaranteed income programs.
Photographer: Nick Otto/AFP via Getty Images
After years of momentum behind guaranteed income programs that disburse no-strings-attached cash, the backlash has arrived in force. Three Republican-led states passed laws this session that will preempt localities from launching direct cash assistance initiatives. At least six other states’ legislators have tried or are trying. And now, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Harris County for its just-launched pilot.
Advocates for basic income programs say they see these challenges as part of a broader effort by Republican-heavy legislatures in red states to preempt cities and counties from passing progressive policies.