Nonprofit UpTogether is leading a coalition that is calling for a $3m guaranteed income program to be provided to fund 24 months’ worth of monthly payments.
Americans set to receive $1,200 guaranteed income program. (Photo: MARCA)
$1,200 Monthly Payments Guaranteed Income Program
The coalition has written a letter to Detroit City Council, requesting that council members approve monthly payments of $1,200 for residents for two years in the form of a guaranteed income program, which would give them a total of $28,800 in payments.
To support the guaranteed income program, the coalition is calling for a total of $3m in funding, with $1.5m to come from Mayor Mike Duggan and the other $1.5m “from aligned Detroit-based donors”, according to a published article in The U.S. Sun.
While the letter did not specify income ranges, it did note that Detroit was the poorest city in the US in 2021 and said that the guaranteed income program would aim to support low-income residents. According to data from the Census Bureau, Detroit’s population exceeded more than 632,000 in 2021. The coalition has noted that direct cash payments are one of the most efficient and effective ways to lift people out of poverty.
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Other Guaranteed Income Programs
UpTogether has led multiple other guaranteed income programs across the US, including Oakland Resilient Families in California, which is giving residents $500 per month. The organization has highlighted the success of those types of pilots along with the temporary boosted Child Tax Credit in 2021, worth up to $3,600.
Along with UpTogether, nearly 50 local organizations have signed the letter, including Black America Rising, and Above and Beyond Learning ChildCare Center.
However, it remains unclear if there is any appetite from both the Detroit city council and the Mayor to implement a guaranteed income program. The coalition’s proposal must be approved before it becomes law.
READ ALSO: $500 California Guaranteed Income Program Begins; Are You Qualified?
