New Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Launched by Major US City, Offering $1,300,000 in Funds
Austin, Texas, one of the largest cities in the United States, is preparing to provide $1.3 million to families who are facing financial difficulties. According to reports from the ABC-affiliated news station KVUE, this money will be given to eligible lower-income families with no conditions attached.
The city council granted approval for this program on Thursday, although the sign-up process has not yet begun. This is not the first time that local leaders have supported a guaranteed income initiative in Austin. The initial pilot program was launched in 2022, where 135 families received $1,000 per month for a year.
Participants in the pilot program stated that they used the money for essential needs such as housing, healthcare, and basic necessities. Urban Institute researcher Mary Bogle highlighted the interesting aspect of how people chose to utilize the funds. She noted that individuals made smart decisions on how to spend the money, contrasting with the rigid guidelines of traditional systems that restrict spending to specific categories like food.
Furthermore, a separate pilot program has also been approved in Harris County, Texas. This program will provide over $17 million to 1,928 households. The guaranteed income programs in Texas are part of a larger movement across the United States, with numerous pilot programs testing the impact of providing direct cash assistance to individuals facing financial hardships.
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