Phoenix to use federal funding for Universal Basic Income pilot | News

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One thousand happy Phoenix families will receive $ 1,000 a month in taxpayers’ money in 2022. Phoenix City Council has approved $ 12 million for a “Phoenix Family Grant Program,” a lottery-based form of universal basic income that will begin in January 2022, if not sooner. The program, which is ongoing, will provide approximately 1,000 families with a monthly grant of $ 1,000 for all of 2022. According to a city document, the funds would cover “basic household needs” such as housing, child care, 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 median income in the region – a sliding scale that would be just over $ 63,000 for a family of four would be eligible. A city representative said at the meeting on Tuesday that anyone who received social assistance, social housing or social housing vouchers would qualify. We’ll join them in giving people money, “said Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia.” It’s not just about Rent or utilities, but if they need childcare, if they need medication, whatever, I think people know what they need best. ”The program is paid for by the Federal Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The city received $ 196 million this year and will receive an additional $ 196 million next year, according to city documents, staff would recommend continuing this program with the second ARPA funding disbursement in 2023. Councilors Jim Waring and Sal DiCiccio voted against the measure a handful of other cities to test the premise of universal basic income, Califo rnien’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

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