13 Jan 2025
“Guaranteed income” (GI) refers to periodic, cash payments given directly to individuals that are frequent and unconditional, with no “strings attached” and no work requirements. Guaranteed income is meant to supplement, rather than replace, the existing social safety net. Unlike cash transfer concepts like a “universal basic income”, a guaranteed income is not universal and prioritizes channeling resources to low-income, no-income, and middle-income people. State and local governments are increasingly experimenting with guaranteed income, especially after the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the momentum for the concept. Federal policies designed to provide economic relief during the pandemic, such as increased unemployment insurance, an expanded and fully refundable federal Child Tax Credit, and stimulus checks contributed to burgeoning support for creating and expanding cash assistance programs.
As of September 2024, 155 guaranteed income pilots in the United States either concluded or are currently operating. In 2024, at least nine states introduced legislation that would forbid the implementation of a guaranteed income program within the state. The attached table summarizes recent "anti-guaranteed income" legislation in nine states, including a brief description and analysis of the identified legislative measures.
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