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Dear NCRC member,
The pandemic has hit us all incredibly hard, but low-income families often don’t have the support networks and systems in place to help during times like these. As one possible solution, many have called on the Federal government to pass ongoing cash relief (guaranteed income) instead of one-time payments.
In Stockton, California, a guaranteed income pilot has been doing this since February 2019. The Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) has been examining how an additional $500/month impacts financial, physical and emotional well-being. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it also created the opportunity to see how the recurring guaranteed income would help people weather the storm.
“SEED has given me peace of mind. I don't need much since the pandemic, but I have confidence that we’ll be ok. For now, I am focused on saving each month so I’m not at zero when this is over.”
“The SEED money has helped pay for the gas that I need to take my son to and from work every day, which is the only time I leave the house.”
Knowing that a next payment was coming allowed participants to prepare their families with food and essentials and even contribute a little bit to their savings. It allowed them to gas up their cars and make it to work.
Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, September 29, to learn more about guaranteed income, and how local governments are leading the charge around the country.
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