Austin Testing Guaranteed Incomes Cost Saving Potential

What is. happening? Austin City Council is considering a pilot program of a $1000 guaranteed monthly income. Today they paused for two weeks on the pilot program vote.

Why is this important? Programs in other cities have successfully lowered costs beyond the amount of income distributed. Local Governments that have waded into these waters include Helsinki, Finland, Baltimore, Los Angeles County. Chicago, Santa Clara County, Boulder, Palm Springs, Stockton, California, and Durham, North Carolina.

How will this be important? According to techie and former Presidential candidate, Andrew Yang, it is a solution to poverty. In Finland it removed stressors that triggered mental health breaks and provided necessary housing.

Seattle Times | Universal basic income: An argument without end

KUT | Families could get $1,000 a month as part of Austin’s first guaranteed income program

Kela | Results of Finland’s basic income experiment: small employment effects, better perceived economic security and mental wellbeing

Pressenza | Finland ends homelessness and provides shelter for all in need