Illinois considers $1,000-per-month guaranteed income program

Joey Schneider
·1 min read
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a state-based guaranteed income program.

State Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) sponsors Senate Bill 3462, which calls on Illinois to adopt such a program after the 2027 calendar year.

Through this legislation, residents who meet certain qualifications would be eligible for monthly $1,000 cash payments, regardless of immigration status. It’s unclear how long the payments would last.

According to the bill’s language, those potentially eligible for $1,000 cash payments include people who:

  • Provide care for a child or other specified dependent

  • Recently gave birth or adopted a child

  • Enroll or have enrolled in an educational or vocational program

A board within the Illinois Department of Human Services would be responsible for administering the program, in addition to evaluating its efficacy, proposing statewide policies, and providing oversight before a potential launch.

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Lawmakers discussed the bill during a Senate Appropriations Committee meeting on Wednesday, though the bill has not yet advanced out of the committee.

According to a report Wednesday from The Center Square, supporters feel the program is necessary due to inflation. Opponents say the program could come with unintended consequences, like reducing work productivity or not directly addressing poverty within the state. The Center Square also reports that the program would be taxpayer-funded.

For perspective, the City of St. Louis launched a pilot guaranteed income program last fall to help financially-struggling families. Business Insider touted it as an early success in helping families pay off debts, budget for monthly bills and afford groceries.

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