DISTRICT 7 COUNCIL MEMBER KRYSTAL ORIADA PROPOSES LEGISLATION CREATING GUARANTEED BASIC INCOME PILOT PROGRAM
Measure to Help Fight Poverty and Increase Equity in Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County Council Member Krystal Oriadha (District 7), during Council session on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, introduced CR-018-2023, legislation creating a Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Program modeled after the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) program in Stockton, California.
Under the measure, low-income families would be given direct cash benefits to support their basic needs, such as food and utilities. 200 families would be chosen to participate in the program to receive monthly cash stipends for 24 months. This financial assistance, provided with no strings attached, will ensure the financial security of families, reduce debt, and increase financial equity. The Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Program would be tailored to the needs and resources in the County, with aid from the Greater Washington Community Foundation.
Council Member Oriadha says the legislation will increase equity and lift residents out of poverty.
“With this resolution, we hope to bring the Guaranteed Basic Income Program to Prince George’s County. This is something being done in many jurisdictions around the country, including our neighboring jurisdictions, and I believe that bringing it to Prince George’s will be beneficial for our families. It will help us in fighting poverty and increase equity across the county.”
CR-018-2023 has been referred to the Health, Human Services, and Public Safety (HHSPS) committee for legislative review.
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