Advocates in Illinois are pushing for the adoption of a permanent guaranteed income program, inspired by Cook County's policy. Byron Hobbs, director of organizing at Community Change, expressed the goal of implementing a statewide permanent guaranteed income program for 100,000 eligible individuals in Illinois. He highlighted the need for economic support for low-income individuals, stating that the current economy has not adequately served this demographic.
Hobbs addressed residents at a Union for a Guaranteed Income event on March 7, seeking feedback on the finalization of rules for Cook County's guaranteed income program. The initial payments under this program are set to commence by late summer or early fall of this year.
The Union for a Guaranteed Income played a significant role in securing $7.5 million to establish a permanent guaranteed income program in Cook County, starting in 2026. The program was established following a successful pilot initiative that began in 2022, funded by $42 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. Payments began in December 2022, providing $500 per month to 3,250 low-to-moderate-income families for two years.
The decision to make the program permanent was based on survey findings, as reported by Cook County commissioners to Fox News Digital. Organizers from Community Change and U4GI, along with other groups like the Workers Center for Racial Justice and Equity and Transformation, discussed the structure of the permanent guaranteed income program during a meeting on March 7.
Testimonies from recipients, including Santresa Harris, highlighted the positive impact of the program on families by alleviating financial burdens and ensuring access to daily necessities.
The trend of guaranteed income programs across the country, including in Cook County, has been attributed to initiatives like Mayors for Guaranteed Income, founded by former Stockton, California Mayor Michael D. Tubbs. Tubbs commended the efforts of Community Change and U4GI in establishing a statewide guaranteed income program, emphasizing the importance of state and local leadership in addressing economic challenges.
While advocates push for a statewide guaranteed income program, the Illinois Policy Institute expressed reservations, emphasizing the need for policies that promote economic growth and workforce development. The organization highlighted the importance of enabling individuals to advance economically through reforms like expanding apprenticeships.
Fox News Digital's requests for comments from Illinois lawmakers, Cook County Board of Commissioners, Governor JB Pritzker's office, Community Change, and U4GI went unanswered.
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