Families with low incomes who are most severely affected by poverty will be chosen for the Guaranteed Income Program.
In Harris County, Texas, a pilot program is about to start. A pilot initiative called Uplift Harris received approval for financial relief on a 4-1 vote.
The Potential Benefits of Guaranteed Income Program
Families who meet the program’s requirements will earn $500 each month for a total of 18 months.
According to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, recipients of funds will not be subject to any conditions or limitations on how they may use their funds.
She admitted that the program has been thoroughly evaluated but also said that it is not in any way a solution to America’s poverty.
Since these initiatives have had great results in other cities and counties across the entire nation, this is the first county in the state of Texas to pilot one.
We’re referring to Los Angeles County, California; Newark, New Jersey; and Cook County, Illinois.
No matter what a family needs to make ends meet, whether it’s putting food on the table, keeping the lights on, paying for gas, any form of medication, or anything else, it’s always a struggle.
This guaranteed income gives people financial freedom while constantly attempting to maintain their innate dignity.
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Supporting Families below 200% of Federal Poverty Limit
The American Rescue Plan Act’s local and state funding will be used to fund the $20.5 million initiative.
It is a component of a larger national strategy to combat economic inequality. Up to 1,500 households are below the federal poverty limit of 200%.
For a family of four who would receive such monies, this translates to about $60,000. The pilot program will include a random selection of families.
Additionally, residents from vulnerable populations who participate in county programs will be chosen. Included in this is ACCESS Harris County.
This initiative will be conducted by a third party organization and will initially last for 18 months.