Local California Governments Can Start Up Universal Income Programs Under Newsom Proposal

Local California Governments Can Start Up Universal Income Programs Under Newsom Proposal

California's new budget proposal could open the door for cities to implement new programs to help the poor.

Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal, which he announced Friday, includes $35 million over five years to pay for "universal basic income pilot programs."

The plan would not create a statewide guaranteed income program but instead would help pay for local governments to start their own initiatives to target low-income families. Local governments would help pay for the program through taxpayer dollars or private donors.