Rep. Schiff Introduces “Guaranteed Additional Income for Families in Need” (GAIN) Act to Provide Cash Payments to Low Income Families and Improve Health Outcomes
Washington, D.C.— Today, Representatives Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-New Jersey) introduced the Guaranteed Additional Income for Families in Need (GAIN) Act, which would provide low income families with regular cash payments, providing financial security and improving adverse health outcomes associated with income volatility. This new legislation would establish a targeted pilot program to provide households receiving Medicaid with a monthly guaranteed income of at least $500 each month for five years.
“With hard-working families struggling to make ends meet, we’re seeing a rise in negative health outcomes, from cardiovascular disease and depression, to anxiety and cognitive decline,” said Rep. Schiff. “Guaranteed income may be a powerful and cost effective way to provide stability and support for those who need it most. That’s why I’m proposing a first-of-its-kind, targeted pilot program to help determine if we can improve outcomes with guaranteed income.”
“Study after study has shown that direct cash assistance is the most effective way to reduce poverty permanently in America,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “The targeted distribution laid out in the GAIN Act makes sure those who need support can get it. Direct aid pilot programs have shown that most people spend the additional income on child care, food, and rent — freeing up families to actually escape the cycle of poverty. I’m very proud to co-lead this legislation with Rep. Schiff, and strongly encourage the House to pass it.”
"In Stockton, our guaranteed income program yielded incredible returns for working families. Since then, we've scaled our movement from one mayor, in one city, to 200 mayors and county electeds across the country and 60+ pilots. Across our coalition, we're seeing that when you give folks a guaranteed income, productivity goes up, stress goes down, and the general wellbeing of our communities improves. Nobody’s health outcomes should deteriorate because they aren’t able to pay the bills – and Rep. Schiff’s bill would be a major step forward in achieving that goal,” said Mayors for a Guaranteed Income Founder and former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs.
“Here in Long Beach, our guaranteed income pilot program has been an incredible success. But the work is just beginning, and Rep. Schiff’s bill is a critical step towards ensuring no family is left behind,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson
“Rep. Schiff’s GAIN Act is a brilliant prescription for a healthy California. Guaranteed income is proven to improve families’ control over their financial circumstances. Delivering guaranteed income stabilizes low-income American families’ budgets, which improves financial health, physical, and mental health. This legislation builds on the success of guaranteed income pilot programs we’ve seen right here in California that have allowed residents to experience less income volatility, anxiety, and depression, and is a significant step toward Economic Security Project’s north star goal of a federal guaranteed income,” said Economic Security California Director Teri Olle.
Specifically, the GAIN Act would:
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Establish a minimum of 10 guaranteed income demonstration programs in cities and states throughout the US.
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Provide participating Medicaid beneficiaries with at least $500 in cash payments each month for five years.
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Monitor and record how the cash payments impact health outcomes among participants over the duration of these demonstration programs to help determine how guaranteed income can be used to improve health outcomes in the future.
The GAIN Act is supported by The Economic Security Project and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, including Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs.
To read the full bill text, click HERE.
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