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.
What Happened: The New York City Council has set aside $1.5 million in its 2026 budget for a new initiative titled "Cash with Care." The program is aimed at assisting residents grappling with housing insecurity. As per the council report, the main goal of this guaranteed income program is to support young individuals transitioning from homelessness by offering a consistent, flexible income and comprehensive services.