Chicago Revives Multi-Million Dollar Basic Income Program
Chicago is set to relaunch its Chicago Resilient Communities pilot to provide direct cash payments to residents, with Mayor Brandon Johnson allocating $32 million to the program. The initiative aims to offer $500 per month for a year to families facing financial challenges, funded by the $1.9 billion received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021.
- The program was initially started by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot in 2022 to assist 5,000 low-income households affected by the pandemic.
- The city plans to distribute the remaining ARPA funds through this program to avoid returning the money to the federal government.
- The qualification criteria for the rebooted program are yet to be disclosed by the Johnson administration.
Program Details and Eligibility
Participants in the original pilot had to be Chicago residents over 18 years old, with a family income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line, and facing financial difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the specifics of how many families will benefit from the program’s revival remain unknown.
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Hot Take: Financial Support for Chicago Residents
Chicago’s decision to relaunch the basic income program demonstrates a commitment to supporting residents in need, offering a lifeline to families facing financial difficulties. The revival of this initiative highlights the city’s dedication to leveraging federal funding to assist those most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring economic stability and security for Chicagoans.
**Sources**:
1. [CBS News – Chicago Guaranteed Income Program Restart](https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-guaranteed-income-program-restart-mayor-brandon-johnson/)
2. [Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot – FAQs](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/resilient-communities-pilot/home/faqs.html)