Nearly 30,000 Americans have received about $335 million in basic income. Here are 5 takeaways.

"Basic income pilots have distributed over $335 million in economic relief to Americans. A coalition supported by 250 US lawmakers gathered preliminary reports for 27 pilot programs. Of that collection, none of the pilot programs resulted in employment or workforce decline. As Americans navigated economic uncertainty in recent years, including inflation and increased consumer prices, dozens of lawmakers threw their support behind guaranteed income programs."

"A guaranteed basic income is when a government provides certain residents with no-strings-attached, recurring cash payments for a specified period. Eligible residents must fit specific criteria, such as having a household income near the poverty line. These programs differ from a universal basic income, which is when a government provides all residents with recurring cash payments, regardless of their socioeconomic status."

A coalition supported by more than 250 US lawmakers collated preliminary reports from 27 guaranteed-income pilot programs. Those pilots delivered over $335 million in cash relief to roughly 30,000 Americans. Preliminary findings showed none of the pilots produced declines in employment or workforce participation. Guaranteed basic income provides eligible residents recurring, no-strings-attached cash payments for a specified period based on criteria such as near-poverty household income. Universal basic income provides all residents recurring payments regardless of status. Interest in basic income gained renewed momentum from political campaigns and AI-related job-displacement concerns, while opponents cite cost and potential work disincentives.

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