California Approves First State-funded Guaranteed Income Plan

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - California lawmakers on Thursday approved the first state-funded guaranteed income plan in the U.S., $35 million for monthly cash payments to qualifying pregnant people and young adults who recently left foster care with no restrictions on how they spend it.

The votes — 36-0 in the Senate and 64-0 in the Assembly — showed bipartisan support for an idea that is gaining momentum across the country. Dozens of local programs have sprung up in recent years, including some that have been privately funded, making it easier for elected officials to sell the public on the idea. California's plan is taxpayer-funded and could spur other states to follow its lead. "If you look at the stats for our foster youth, they are devastating," Senate Republican leader Scott Wilk said. "We should be doing all we can to lift these young people up."