(The Center Square) – One thousand happy Phoenix families will receive $ 1,000 a month in tax dollars in 2022. Phoenix City Council has approved $ 12 million for a “Phoenix Family Aid Program,” a lottery-based form of universal basic income that will begin in January 2022, if not sooner. The ongoing program will provide approximately 1,000 families with a monthly grant of $ 1,000 for all of 2022. According to a city document, funds would be limited to “basic household necessities” such as shelter, childcare, food and other staples. The city would put money on a debit card that would not allow purchases of a list of prohibited items such as alcohol and tobacco. All low-income families who account for up to 80% of the region’s median income – a sliding scale that would equate to over $ 63,000 for a family of four – would be eligible. A city representative said at the meeting on Tuesday that anyone receiving social assistance, social housing or social housing vouchers would be eligible. “We have seen many cities across the country providing this direct aid and I am glad that we will join them to give money to the people,” said Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia. “It’s not just for rent or utilities, but when they need childcare, when they need medication, whatever, I think people know best what their needs are.” The program is run by the Federal American Rescue Funded by the Plan Act (ARPA). The city received $ 196 million this year and will receive an additional $ 196 million next year. According to city documents, employees would recommend continuing this program with the second ARPA funding disbursement in 2023. Council members Jim Waring and Sal DiCiccio voted against the measure. Phoenix joins a handful of other cities to test the universal basic income premise. California’s latest budget is $ 35 million to pay for a similar program. The cities of Los Angeles, Compton, and Richmond, Virginia have approved similar programs. The city of Chicago is considering a similar program. Corrections and Clarifications: This story has been edited since it was first published to reflect the tentative nature of the plan.
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