Mt Vernon Joins National Mayors Coalition For A Guaranteed Income

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Leaders of three cities in New York have joined a national coalition of city leaders called Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, who are running or planning local trials of unconditional direct cash payments to residents as well as lobbying for the policy at the federal level.

Sixteen mayors from the coalition, which includes Hudson, Ithaca and Mount Vernon in New York, as well as Richmond, Los Angeles, St. Paul, Tacoma and Providence talked to journalists Wednesday by Zoom.

They all are trying to address stark economic realities laid bare by the coronavirus pandemic: 44 percent of American workers earn just about $18,000 a year; many Americans work multiple jobs and still struggle financially; nearly 40 percent of all Americans cannot afford a $400 emergency.

For example, Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma, Washington said their program targeted people in what they call the ALICE category. They're asset-limited and income-constrained, and they're employed.

The mayors are all inspired by two things. First is the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who more than 50 years ago argued in his book "Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?" that the most effective way to fight poverty might be the simplest — a guaranteed income "floor."

The idea is that that a small guaranteed income helps a poor person buy bootstraps. A small investment in human capital will pay off handsomely, with money flowing into local businesses and more stable communities.

"Cash is the currency of urgency," said Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.

The second inspiration is a pilot program in Stockton, California started in 2019, where a small group of residents were given $500 a month. Preliminary findings show the money was spent on basics such as transportation, utilities and food, said Mayor Michael Tubbs.

As other cities began trying other methods, the Stockton pilot was recently extended due to the coronavirus crisis.

Now Mayors for a Guaranteed Income has announced its expansion to include 25 U.S. mayors who are actively advocating for or working to implement programs in their cities.

"We're at a moment right now in our history that's calling for big ideas," said Providence, R.I. Mayor Jorge Elorza, who plans to get a pilot program going in 2021.

"This is just a superior economic stimulus plan," said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.

Mount Vernon's Patterson-Howard, a member of the coalition for just two weeks, she said she hopes to focus in part on residents working in a cash-based economy. Families will be the other focal point. "Ten percent of the children in our school system are homeless. We're looking to design something with long term impact on those families."

Mount Vernon will look to start its program with a combination of public and private funds, she said.

Hudson's pilot program is being totally underwritten by private funds, Mayor Kamal Johnson said. It will give 25 recipients $500 a month for five years. The Hudson residents must be over 18 and earning at or below the city's median household income of $35,000 a year. Applications for a lottery are being accepted until Sept. 20. "I truly believe in this program," Johnson said.

Stockton's Tubbs, founder of the group, said the data is clear. In Finland, researchers found the country's basic income program made people more productive and less sick.

Sure, some people yell "socialism" when they hear the concept of guaranteed income, said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. "I think back to my grandparents getting their social security check and my parents getting their social security check and now I’m looking forward to getting my social security check,” he said. "I do know that those things have become part of the fabric of America and we can make this part of the fabric of America where it’s not looked down upon."

A guaranteed income is not a panacea, but it is a powerful tool. "Poverty serves no one, it is incredibly expensive," Tubbs said.