CINCINNATI (WKRC) – This week, Cincinnati joined a growing number of cities in approving universal income, or giving monthly payments to certain low-income residents.
Supporters say it's a way to lift people out of poverty and help reduce crime and violence.
But a lot of questions still surround the new program.
The $2.1 million 'Financial Freedom' program includes money for a universal income program, which has been used in several other cities.
Some say the program discourages people from finding work.
The pilot would pay up to 100 qualified low-income residents an undetermined stipend, on top of whatever other benefits they're receiving.
Mayor Aftab Pureval included the program in the budget. He wasn't available for interviews, and his office said details are still being finalized.
While City Council approved the Financial Freedom package, the administration can't spend the money until those details are released.
However, Budget Committee Chair Reggie Harris said it's a way to fight childhood poverty.
“It’s not giving away free money," Harris said. "It’s recognizing national data and research, that states when children have a child savings account, their chances of going to college exponentially increase. That is an investment.”
At least ten cities or states have launched programs similar to this in the last two years, with some participants receiving large up-front payments, and others monthly stipends of between $450 to $1,000.
The largest known universal income program is in Chicago. But other smaller cities including Shreveport, La., and Gainesville, Fla., also provide supplemental payments to some residents.
Los Angeles and New York City have similar programs, as do Denver, Newark, N.J., and Compton and Stockton, Calif.
There’s a program in Georgia for women who qualify in different parts of that state.
Cincinnati's Financial Freedom program also includes money to help low-income residents pay off medical debts.
Rea Hederman, Vice President of Policy for the Ohio conservative think tank The Buckeye Institute, said such programs can be effective, but only if they incentivize people to work or get new job skills.
"The goal is to try to help people, without creating some of the barriers to having people better themselves through additional work effort,” Hederman said. “Maintaining balance can be tricky."
The proposal also calls for a funding match from private donors, but that hasn't been identified yet.
All the details on how the program will operate should be released later in June. Local 12 will be following up to report when that happens.
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June 17, 2023 at 04:50AM
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Cincinnati approves universal income, giving monthly payments to some low-income residents - WKRC TV Cincinnati
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