Chicago Could Be the Next City to Test Universal Basic Income

A Chicago alderman wants to bring a universal basic income program to the Windy City, and the bill already has the backing of several city lawmakers.  


According to Fox 32 Chicago, alderman Ameya Pawar recently proposed new legislation that would give 1,000 Chicago families a $500 monthly stipend with no strings attached. The bill has been given the thumbs up by a majority of city lawmakers and Pawar says shes hopes to work with Mayor Rahm Emanuel to implement the pilot program.

If the program is approved, Chicago would become the largest municipality in the United States to test the basic universal income program. 

Families who qualify for the program would also adjust the Earned Income Tax Credit program to allow families the ability to put the tax credit toward their monthly mortgage payments. 

Stockton, California has already passed a Universal Basic Income program for residents. The formerly bankrupt city will give 100 residents $500 a month for 18 months in an effort to create an income "floor" that guarantees no one will fall beneath. 

The concept of UBI is an idea that has gained traction in recent years, with many in Silicon Valley touting the need for such a system in the near future. UBI is seen as a safeguard for people to reduce poverty and against the job disruptions that can come from industries automating much of their production. 

Stockton's program is underwritten by Facebook cofounder Chris Hughes' organization, the Economic Security Project - a fund that supports research around the Universal Basic Income idea. 


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