Newark, NJ Adopts Guaranteed Income Resolution
February 25, 2021, Newark, NJ - In a unanimous decision, the Newark City Council has voted in support of a resolution to establish a guaranteed income. The resolution further solidifies the city’s commitment to advancing cash-based policies under the leadership of Mayor Ras J. Baraka, a member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI).
"Like too many cities across the country, we in Newark are feeling the intense pressure of economic fallout. Direct support in the form of cash payments allows members of our community to regain a semblance of control in the midst of a crisis that has stripped so much of it away,” said Mayor Baraka. “It's on us as local leaders to work together and provide this critical financial lifeline to residents of our cities, and beyond."
The full text of the resolution, passed on February 3, can be found here.
Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, MGI is a coalition of 40 mayors committed to advancing a federal guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to the poor and middle class.
MGI member cities are eligible for up to $500,000 in pilot funding, thanks to a recent $15M donation by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. A pilot in Newark is planned to launch in early 2021, with details currently being finalized. In addition to pilots, MGI also advocates for cash-based policies at the federal level. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and support for $2,000 checks helped drive the Democratic Senate wins in Georgia.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
Gainesville, FL Adopts Guaranteed Income Resolution
February 24, 2021, Gainesville, FL - In a unanimous decision, the Gainesville City Commission has voted in support of a resolution to establish a guaranteed income program. This resolution shows support for people with a criminal record to receive a recurring monthly income for up to two years to help them get back on their feet, and solidifies Gainesville’s commitment to creating an income floor under the leadership of Mayor Lauren Poe, a member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI).
“In the wake of the pandemic and its massive economic toll, guaranteed income stands out as a necessary tool to address the inequality pervading our communities'' said Mayor Poe. “This first of its kind program provides a cushion to those who can least afford to bear the burden of income instability.”
The full text of the resolution, passed on February 18th, can be found here.
Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, MGI is a coalition of 36 mayors committed to advancing a federal guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to the poor and middle class.
A pilot in Gainesville is planned to launch in 2021, with details currently being finalized. MGI member cities are eligible for up to $500,000 in pilot funding, thanks to a recent $15M donation by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. In addition to pilots, MGI also advocates for cash-based policies at the federal level. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and support for $2,000 checks helped drive the Democratic Senate wins in Georgia.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
Washington Post & Time ads call for recurring checks
This full-page ad ran in the 2/1/21 edition of Time Magazine.
This full-page ad ran in the 1/21/21 edition of the Washington Post
Ithaca, NY Adopts Guaranteed Income Resolution
January 22, 2021, Ithaca, NY - In a unanimous decision, the City of Ithaca Common Council has voted in support of a resolution to establish a guaranteed income. The resolution further solidifies the city’s commitment to advancing cash-based policies under the leadership of Mayor Svante Myrick, a member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI).
“The past year has shown us how quickly financial security can evaporate in the face of an unpredictable world and an economy that is more unequal than ever” said Mayor Myrick. “Guaranteed income provides financial stability to those who need it most, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks.”
The full text of the resolution, passed on January 6, can be found here. The adopted resolution required one small modification in changing references from Senate Majority Leader McConnell to Senator Chuck Schumer.
Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, MGI is a coalition of 34 mayors committed to advancing a federal guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to the poor and middle class.
MGI member cities are eligible for up to $500,000 in pilot funding, thanks to a recent $15M donation by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. A pilot in Ithaca is planned to launch in 2021, with details currently being finalized. In addition to pilots, MGI also advocates for cash-based policies at the federal level. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and support for $2,000 checks helped drive the Democratic Senate wins in Georgia.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
MGI Applauds Gov. Newsom’s Golden State Stimulus Proposal
Michael D. Tubbs, former Stockton Mayor and founder and chair of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, released this statement following Governor Newsom’s call for a “Golden State Stimulus” which would provide $600 to EITC-eligible Californians:
“In a pandemic and economic crisis, people need cash to survive. Even if people have the ability to stay home, the bills keep coming. The Golden State Stimulus will provide a badly needed boost to the federal $600 check and enables the most economically vulnerable California families to decide how to best spend their money - providing a lifeline and a sense of dignity to recipients. As we saw in the Stockton guaranteed income demonstration, people use cash for basic needs - food, utilities and childcare. Mayors for a Guaranteed Income applauds this step by Governor Newsom to put money in the pockets of struggling families. Our state continues to lead the way on cash-based policies, with guaranteed income pilots underway or in the works in Compton, Long Beach, Los Angeles and Oakland.
While these city and state steps are important, we need to go further, which is why we are calling on federal leaders to adopt guaranteed income: recurring, no-strings attached cash payments. As we see in guaranteed income pilots led by mayors throughout the country, direct cash builds economic resilience and ensures everyone has a floor so that if a pandemic or other emergency occurs occurs, we are able to feed our families, go to the doctor, pay our bills and keep our economy going. As we transition to the Biden-Harris Administration and the opportunity to pass meaningful relief with Democratic control of both chambers of Congress, we urge federal lawmakers to pass recurring cash payments immediately.”
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Hudson, NY Adopts Guaranteed Income Resolution
January, 7 2020, Hudson, NY - The city of Hudson, NY has passed a resolution in support of ongoing federal payments through the duration of the pandemic, as well as the establishment of a national guaranteed income. The resolution, which was passed unanimously by the city council, further solidifies the city’s commitment to advancing cash-based policies under the leadership of Mayor Kamal Johnson, a member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI). Through a partnership with Humanity Forward, Hudson began its guaranteed income pilot in late 2020, providing 25 residents $500 monthly for five years.
“The pandemic has taken a massive toll on the already-stretched finances of our residents, particularly those of color,” said Mayor Johnson. “Providing a guaranteed income at the local level can help some, but we need action by our federal leaders to extend economic security to all.”
The full text of the resolution passed in December can be found here (pages 36-39). It will also be sent to Hudson’s Congressional leadership – Representative Antonio Delgado and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer.
Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, MGI is a coalition of 30 mayors committed to advancing a guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to those the poor and middle class.
In addition to pilots, MGI also advocates for cash-based policies at the federal level. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and more than 125 economists recently demanded national leaders pass another round of $1,200 stimulus checks.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
Statement on Stimulus Bill
December 21, 2020, Stockton, CA - The stimulus bill Congress is working to finalize provides long-awaited relief to struggling families, but does not go nearly far enough in mitigating the devastating economic effects of the pandemic. A payment of $600 per person is simply inadequate to stave off the incoming wave of evictions, widespread hunger and overdue bills millions of Americans face in the nine months since the CARES Act passed.
“While this bill is better than nothing, that is an extremely low bar,” said MGI Chair Michael Tubbs. “Lack of action on the part of our federal government – primarily due to Mitch McConnell’s obstruction of meaningful relief – forced millions into poverty in just the past few months, with millions more on the brink. Anything short of substantial, ongoing payments throughout the pandemic fails the American people.”
MGI supports a federal guaranteed income, as well as cash relief to offset the dire economic toll of the pandemic. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and more than 125 economists recently demanded national leaders pass another round of $1,200 stimulus checks.
MGI is a coalition of 29 mayors committed to advancing a guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to the poor and middle class. Member cities are eligible for up to $500,000 in pilot funding, thanks to a recent $15M donation by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
Cambridge, MA Adopts Guaranteed Income Resolution
December 18, 2020, Cambridge, MA - In a unanimous decision, the Cambridge City Council has voted in support of a resolution to establish a guaranteed income. The resolution further solidifies the city’s commitment to advancing cash-based policies under the leadership of Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, a member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI).
“We must provide economic relief to our residents in the wake of the pandemic’s economic havoc and the inaction of Congress to provide aid to meet the massive scale of this crisis,” said Mayor Siddiqui. “A guaranteed income is a financial lifeline providing simple, effective and direct support to keep our economy and community afloat.”
The full text of the resolution can be found in the December 14 meeting record here.
Cambridge is on track to begin a guaranteed income pilot in early 2021, partially funded by $500,000 from MGI. Founded in June of 2020 by Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, MGI is a coalition of 29 mayors committed to advancing a guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to the poor and middle class.
MGI member cities are eligible for up to $500,000 in pilot funding, thanks to a recent $15M donation by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. In addition to pilots, MGI also advocates for cash-based policies at the federal level. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and more than 125 economists recently demanded national leaders pass another round of $1,200 stimulus checks.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
Mayors For A Guaranteed Income Receives $15 Million Grant from Jack Dorsey
New funding helps launch guaranteed income programs helmed by member mayors in 25+ U.S. cities
STOCKTON, Calif — December 8, 2020; 9AM PT -- Mayors For A Guaranteed Income (MGI) today held a press call announcing a second grant of $15M from Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey through his #startsmall initiative. This builds on Dorsey’s initial donation of $3 million in July 2020. These new funds are already being allocated to launch or expand guaranteed income pilots in U.S. cities including Columbia, SC; Los Angeles, CA; Madison, WI; Pittsburgh, PA; Providence, RI; Richmond, VA; Tacoma, WA; Saint Paul, MN; and New Orleans, LA, with more cities to be announced later. The full recording of the press call can be found here.
Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, who founded MGI following the demonstrable impact of Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED), the first mayor-led guaranteed income pilot, said: “We are a nation in crisis and the last one of this scale yielded dramatic social reform; this is our New Deal moment. We need a social safety net that goes beyond conditional benefits tied to employment, works for everyone and begins to address the call for racial and economic justice through a guaranteed income. These pilots and the resulting evidence will be instrumental in shaping what the 2021 social contract looks like in America.”
Laura Kidd-Plummer, a recipient of guaranteed income in Stockton joined a press call hosted by MGI and said, “I’m breathing a sigh of relief at this point because without being with SEED, or being a participant, I don’t think I’d be sitting in this chair right now.”
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti sits on the Mayors For A Guaranteed Income executive committee and said, “The grant is a testament to the momentum of this organization and cause -- and a tribute to a simple, yet innovative idea: that offering direct aid to struggling families translates into greater security for our economy, stability for our communities, and peace of mind for households across our cities. With this investment, we can act on that mission and activate a new way of lifting up folks hard-hit by the short-term pain of the pandemic or the long-term consequences from structural and institutional inequalities.”
Mayor of Saint Paul, MN Melvin Carter sits on the Mayors For A Guaranteed Income executive committee and said, “Guaranteed income is a clear path toward economic and racial justice for Americans. This incredible support will broaden the reach of this movement as we further develop evidence for these programs.”
This grant accelerates the momentum MGI has built across the country; several mayors have either committed to launch or already launched guaranteed income pilots:
In Saint Paul, MN, Mayor Melvin Carter has launched and begun disbursements for People’s Prosperity Pilot, which will provide up to 150 Saint Paul families with $500 per month in guaranteed income for up to 18 months.
Richmond, VA Mayor Levar Stoney has launched the Richmond Resilience Initiative, which will empower 18 working families to meet immediate needs and build wealth to break the cycle of poverty.
Mayor Aja Brown has launched the Compton Pledge giving 800 Compton residents a guaranteed income of varying amounts for a two-year period.
Pittsburgh, PA, Mayor Peduto has announced the Assured Cash Experiment of Pittsburgh (AcePGH) will provide 200 residents with $500/month, for 24 months. Building on work by Pittsburgh Gender Equity Commission, AcePGH will serve 100 randomly selected Black women who are at or below 50% AMI.
Columbia, SC Mayor Stephen Benjamin will provide 100 residents with $500/month, for 24 months through the CLIMB program. CLIMB will be targeted for black fathers, and recipients will be selected in partnership with the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition.
Oakland, CA Mayor Libby Schaaf announced a partnership with the Family Independence Initiative to work to secure funding to serve 300 families with children.
Mayor of Tacoma, WA Victoria Woodards said: “We’re grateful for this generous grant that will allow us to accelerate our pilot building, and we are excited that we will soon be able to offer support to the Tacoma community members who need it the most.”
Mayor of Columbia, SC Stephen Benjamin said: “We have been eager to launch a pilot since joining Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, and these funds will allow us to more quickly disburse badly needed financial assistance to fathers in our CLIMB program.”
Mayor of Madison, WI Satya Rhodes-Conway said: “I am deeply appreciative of this seed funding which will allow a group of Madison families to chart their own path toward financial stability. Because affordable housing is such a critical issue in the City of Madison, my staff is exploring how we can design and implement a pilot that places housing affordability and security at the center of this conversation.”
In addition to pilots, MGI also advocates for cash-based policies at the federal level. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and more than 125 economists recently demanded national leaders pass another round of stimulus checks.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
If you would like additional information or to schedule a follow up conversation with leaders and experts with Mayors For A Guaranteed Income, please reach out to Saadia McConville, saadia@mayorsforagi.org
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About Mayors for a Guaranteed Income
Building off his first-of-its-kind guaranteed income pilot (SEED) and rooted in Dr. King’s legacy, Mayor Michael D. Tubbs (Stockton, CA) founded Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), in partnership with the Economic Security Project, in June 2020. Mayors will come together in this network to advocate for a guaranteed income—direct, recurring cash payments—that lifts all of our communities, building a resilient, just America. Since its establishment in June 2020, the coalition has created a significant increase in support for guaranteed income policy across the country, passing a resolution in support of guaranteed income at the United States Conference of Mayors and submitting a sign on letter to House and Senate leadership in support of the Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act. Follow MGI on Twitter and Facebook.
CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org