Press Release

City Hall Breaks Commitment to Chicagoans, Passes Budget without Guaranteed Income

12. 17. 2024

Advocates Respond to City Hall’s Failure to Keep $500 Monthly Payments for Families

CHICAGO, IL –  Today, the Mayor’s Office and members of the Chicago City Council passed a budget without funding for a guaranteed income initiative, which the Mayor publicly committed to in an announcement this past spring. Sarah Saheb, Director of Economic Security Illinois Action, an affiliate of Economic Security Project Action, an organization central to the creation and implementation of cash programs in Chicago and across the country, released the following statement:

“We’re disappointed to see Mayor Brandon Johnson renege on his commitment to put more cash into the pockets of Chicagoans through a guaranteed income. He and the City Council passed a budget without further funding for a program that has already proven successful in helping families pay their bills, switch careers, save for the future, and breathe a bit easier. Guaranteed income across the country, and right here in Chicago, has empowered workers and made it easier to afford essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing. Dismantling this program after publicly committing to it is a step backwards for our communities. We are part of a robust and growing movement, and together with our partners we will continue to stand on the side of working families and advocate for policies like guaranteed income that give them tools they need to thrive.”