Austin’s Basic Income Program for Low Income Houses

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Is Texas Taking the Right Step Towards a Better America?

The Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot, Texas’s pioneering tax-payer-funded basic income program, has garnered attention for its positive impact on housing security. Launched in May 2022, the program provided monthly payments of up to $1,000 to 135 low-income families, with funding from the City of Austin and philanthropic donations.

Designed to empower individuals and families to make impactful decisions for their well-being, the program aimed to alleviate poverty and improve housing affordability. According to the city’s website, the initiative sought to foster better job prospects, increased savings, food security, and housing stability.

A recent study by the Urban Institute revealed encouraging outcomes from the program. Participants, on average, allocated over half of their payments toward housing, resulting in significantly improved housing security compared to non-participants. Additionally, the program contributed to a 17% decrease in food insecurity among participating families.

A healthy Basic Income program is the only thing that will save America.https://t.co/41fSS39hMv

— Earle L. Bailey 🇮🇪🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇸🇪🇩🇰 (@Altanon) January 29, 2024

Taniquewa Brewster, a single mother who benefited from the program, shared her experience with KXAN, stating that the financial assistance helped her cover medical expenses and medications after a hospital stay.

Despite the program’s success, it has faced opposition from some Texas lawmakers. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt recently sought to challenge a similar initiative in Houston, arguing its constitutionality.

However, basic income programs have gained traction nationwide as cities like Baltimore and Denver implement similar projects to address homelessness and support vulnerable populations. The Baltimore Young Families Success Fund and Denver’s basic income program have shown promising results in improving housing security and meeting essential needs.

The Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot demonstrates the potential of basic income initiatives in positively impacting communities, with tangible benefits in housing and food security.

Ashley Herzog January 29, 2024