A Research Study
We believe that guaranteed income can serve as an addition, not an alternative, to the nation’s current social safety net. It will provide an income floor for those without one, strengthening the social safety net and expanding access in the process. Currently there is an array of public assistance programs, including CALWORKS, CalFresh, WIC, the EITC, and Medicare that form the nation’s social safety net. Unfortunately, these programs alone cannot meet everyone’s needs.
In addition to uplifting approximately 3,200 families financially, Los Angeles’ guaranteed income pilot provides an opportunity to expand our knowledge of community investment and poverty interventions. The City of Los Angeles is working with the Center of Guaranteed Income Research at the University of Pennsylvania to gather valuable data throughout the pilot program. The information collected will be used to reform current policies, guide future programs, and aid in the expansion of our social safety net.