Universal Basic Income

L.A. County’s Breathe program gives participants $1,000 monthly for three years, more money over a longer period than similar programs.

A final study on Stockton’s famous experiment giving low-income residents unconditional cash found the money improved some recipients’ mental health and financial stability – but only during “normative” economic conditions.

The Legislature is back this week from spring recess and already things are getting busy.  CalMatters’ Julie Cart reports that a bill that would outlaw five chemicals in food products passed the Assembly health committee Tuesday after a robust debate — and a little snacking. The so-called Skittles Bill prompted both a freewheeling discussion of […]

State and local governments, and some private funders, are launching dozens of pilot projects making direct, monthly payments to low-income residents to help meet basic needs. Researchers will study what happens next. Key question: will this money add to, reform, or supplant current welfare programs?

Los Angeles and Oakland parents who received monthly cash without restrictions from new pilot programs said it did more than help them pay bills. What they gained, they said, was priceless — more time with their children.

In a 50-minute interview with CalMatters, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis talks about what she can and can't do in the job on higher education, income inequality, offshore oil drilling and other issues. She also discusses her political ambitions.

A state senator wants to send no-strings-attached checks to homeless high school seniors in California, where basic income programs are beginning to “feel a lot more like a movement.”

Michael Tubbs, who now serves as an economic advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom, announces a new nonprofit called End Poverty In California (EPIC) to advocate for statewide policies to reduce the wealth gap.

Lea este artículo en español. South San Francisco this month sent out the first $500 monthly checks to around 150 low-income families to spend however they see fit. South San Francisco is the latest Bay Area city to launch a guaranteed income pilot program – in which participants receive monthly cash payments with no strings attached – […]

California lawmakers OK funding programs to guarantee some people — especially foster youth and pregnant women — an income floor.