Contra Costa County, California is getting ready to launch a massive guaranteed income pilot program. The county has set aside $4.5 million to give up to $1,000 a month to 250 residents for 18 months.
Who’s Getting the Money?
The program, expected to start by the end of 2025, will focus on helping several groups:
- Homeless residents
- Young adults leaving foster care
- Low-income families with young children
- Recently released convicts
Funding the Program
The money comes from two sources:
- Measure X: A county sales tax approved by voters in 2020.
- State Criminal Justice Reform: Revenue from a state-level bill aimed at reforming the criminal justice system.
Transforming Lives
According to Rachel Rosekind, a member of the Measure X Community Advisory Board, the goal is to significantly improve the lives of participants and their families. The county is currently working out the details of how people will be selected and how they can apply.
