Mayors for a Guaranteed Income to Expand Coalition and Launch Counties for Guaranteed Income

Local Leaders from Across the Country Convene Roundtable in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.-(ENEWSPF)- Tuesday at Georgetown University, county elected officials from across the country hosted a roundtable to launch Counties for a Guaranteed Income (CGI), broadening the successful efforts of the Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI).

Since its inception in June of 2020, MGI has grown to represent more than 29 million people in 31 states with over 100 mayors. Between the pilots that have already started disbursements and those in the works, MGI will provide more than $210 million in direct, unconditional payments to everyday Americans.

“Data from across our pilots shows that guaranteed income goes to those who are disproportionately affected by economic injustice: women and people of color,” said Michael Tubbs, former mayor of Stockton, CA and founder of MGI. “Recipients are able to stay home with a sick child, buy groceries without fear they’ll overdraw their account, or go back to school to train for a more lucrative career.”

MGI continues its commitment to shifting narratives around money and poverty, by expanding its successful programs to the county level in launching Counties for a Guaranteed Income.

“We hope that these pilots, these models will be proof of concept, and will move the ball down the field to get the federal government to engage,” said President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Toni Preckwinkle, who serves as one of CGI’s co-chairs along with Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.

Following the remarkable success of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, county leaders have come together similarly to advocate for a federal guaranteed income as a tool to build a more just and resilient America. CGI is founded by 20 elected officials, representing 15 counties and acknowledging the scale and role that counties play over health, human services, and public safety.

CGI is a coalition of county elected officials from across the country working to ensure that all Americans have an income floor. Working in tandem with MGI, CGI’s approach is threefold: (1) invite county elected officials to join us in our efforts to advance a guaranteed income across all levels of government and provide technical assistance for new pilot programs; (2) communicate with allies and our constituencies to highlight the lived experience of economic insecurity and ways government can alleviate it; and (3) implement and advocate for cash-based policies at the local, state, and federal level.

Former Mayor of West Hollywood and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Lindsey Horvath agrees, ”I know from my time as a Mayor that guaranteed income can work at every level of local government and am thrilled to be at the forefront of its expansion as a County Supervisor. Elected officials have a duty to use our resources so that everyone may thrive, and a no strings attached guaranteed income is one of the best tools at our disposal to lift up families.”

“Across the board, guaranteed income leads to better lives and communities. With this stable foundation, people can further support their families, pursue education and find new jobs. With more stability, people invest in themselves and their families, take risks and even start businesses,” said President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners Toni Preckwinkle, “and county governments should be leading the way. From justice to public health to safety net systems, the reach of local governments place county leaders in a unique position to innovate. We can and should build systems that meet the needs of residents in a rapidly changing economic climate. There’s no better way to achieve this than through a guaranteed income.”