Let’s Talk New Mexico 3/7 8am: Most Americans have little to no savings so even a small emergency can have catastrophic results. Pilot programs in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces are among those nationwide seeking to help some low income families by providing a modest monthly stipend. It’s called a Guaranteed Basic Income.
In New Mexico pilot programs, families of immigrants, those facing homelessness, and low-income community college students were awarded $400-$500 a month. The programs pay participants for about a year, with one pilot still ongoing, and have shown promising results. However, not everyone feels stipends like these are appropriate.
On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico we'll discuss Universal Basic Income and whether it should be expanded. Do the long-term benefits of economic security justify spending public money now? What do you think about giving people money directly? We want to hear from you. Email us at LetsTalk@kunm.org, leave a voice message by clicking the link below, or call in live during the show at 505-277-5866.
Guests:
- Shafeka Hashash, Associate Director for Guaranteed Income, Economic Security Project
- Dawn Hommer, CEO, Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico
- Nichole Rogers, Albuquerque City Councilor, District 6
- Alan Webber, Mayor of Santa Fe
- Micaela Zamora, Caregiver who received funding through a New Mexico Caregivers Coalition Guaranteed Basic Income pilot
Related reading:
"Coalition shows results from guaranteed income helped workers, immigrant families," Source New Mexico
"New Report Shows Positive Outcomes with Guaranteed Income Pilot Program," Santa Fe Reporter
"Places across the U.S. are testing no-strings cash as part of the social safety net," NPR
Debate on universal basic income - Intelligence Squared
A Universal Basic Income is bad for social justice - Transforming Society
Guaranteed Income: High Hopes and Unplanned Consequences - Governing
