Congressman Robert Garcia Continues to Champion Guaranteed Income, Introduces Bill to Provide Universal Basic Income for Foster Youth Aging Out of System
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Robert Garcia (CA-42) was joined by Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) co-chair Michael Tubbs in introducing the “Guaranteed Income for Foster Youth Act.” The Congressman was joined by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05) as a co-lead on the bill. The legislation would create a new federal program to provide $1,000 a month to young adults exiting foster care for five years, and it is endorsed by Mayors and Counties for a Guaranteed Income and Liberation in a Generation. Congressman Garcia has been a strong advocate for Guaranteed Income projects, including during his tenure as Mayor of Long Beach. Under his leadership as Mayor, the City of Long Beach launched a universal basic income pilot.
“As Mayor of Long Beach, we built and launched a transformational Guaranteed Income program that is now directly helping hundreds of low income families,” said Congressman Garcia. “That's why I am so proud to introduce the Guaranteed Income for Foster Youth Act, because there are major gaps in the federal foster system, and we need to be building on the lessons of pilot programs like those in my home state of California.”
“Aging out of foster care can be an incredibly difficult and vulnerable time for youth. Without a stable support system, far too many find themselves unprepared to transition successfully into adulthood. Guaranteed basic income for emancipated foster youth recognizes this challenge and provides a critical lifeline when they need it most. By giving these young people an economic foundation, we set them on the path towards self-sufficiency. We’re sending a message that we believe in their potential,” said Congresswoman Omar.
"As the cost of living increases faster than wages, more people are struggling to get by. Around half of Americans don't have enough to cover a $500 emergency in cash. Guaranteed income works because it closes the gap, helping people meet their family's basic needs, increasing household financial stability and reducing the stress and uncertainty that too many are living with on a daily basis. It helps people go from surviving to thriving, and that's why we've seen 130 mayors & 3 dozen county officials support the idea,” said Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) co-chair Michael Tubbs.
"LibGen commends Representative Robert Garcia for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that every youth graduating from foster care has stability and an equitable opportunity to thrive. This transformative policy not only provides financial security but also represents a crucial step towards creating a brighter and more inclusive future for all. By empowering our most vulnerable youth, this bill serves as a beacon of hope for future generations, helping them break free from the cycle of adversity and reach their fullest potential,” said Taofik Oladipo, the Policy and Political Manager for Liberation in a Generation.
More than one-fifth of foster care youth experience homelessness for at least one day within a year of emancipation. The Guaranteed Income for Foster Youth Act would specifically authorize States to provide $1,000 per month to all foster youth, including youth with disabilities, who were in foster care after 14 years of age, who exited foster care after 16 years of age, and who have not yet turned 27 years of age. Furthermore, all eligible youth who have turned 18 years of age will be automatically enrolled. All participating youth will receive $1,000 per month in cash benefits totaling no more than $12,000 during any 12 consecutive months. Additionally, all youth will be able to participate in voluntary financial literacy education.
The full text of the bill can be found here.
Under Congressman Garcia’s leadership as Mayor, Long Beach developed programs like a guaranteed income pilot. The City’s pilot program was made possible by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, and it received 2,800 applications for the program following its launch. In total, 450 families in the lowest-income zip code will receive a $500 per month payment over the next year — and over 900 people, including over 500 children, are already benefiting from the payments. The data collected will be combined with the work of nearly 100 other cities around the country and will be used to help other cities and levels of government further support their residents through guaranteed income initiatives.
Congressman Garcia is committed to building on his advocacy to level the playing field with progressive policy and supporting working families with increasing wages while working to take the next step beyond these pilot programs at the federal level. In June 2023, Congressman Garcia joined Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Michael Tubbs, and Rev. Zach Hoover of LA Voice on the Guaranteed Income Works national tour. They hosted the first event of a 20-city tour that Mayors for a Guaranteed Income produced to show the evidence that providing direct payments can end poverty in the United States. Guaranteed income recipients have been able to pursue higher paying jobs, obtain undergraduate degrees, pay off debt, and afford basic necessities like food and utilities.
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