Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act of 2025
Summary
The Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act of 2025 proposes a 3-year pilot program to provide a guaranteed monthly income to 20,000 eligible individuals. The program aims to study the effects of a guaranteed income on financial stability, health, and social costs related to income volatility. It authorizes $495 million per year from 2026-2030 to fund the program and associated research.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would provide direct cash payments to selected individuals, potentially improving their financial stability and reducing material hardship. The study accompanying the program would provide data on the effectiveness of guaranteed income as a policy tool. This data could influence future policy decisions regarding income support and social welfare programs.
Potential Benefits
- Provides direct financial assistance to 20,000 eligible individuals.
- Studies the impact of guaranteed income on various aspects of life, including health and economic stability.
- Could lead to improved financial stability and reduced stress for participating individuals.
- The data collected could inform future policy decisions related to poverty reduction and social welfare.
- Payments are disregarded for eligibility in other federal programs, maximizing their impact.
Potential Disadvantages
- The program is limited to 20,000 individuals, leaving many more potentially in need without assistance.
- The cost of the program is significant, with nearly $500 million authorized per year.
- There is a risk that the program may not achieve its intended outcomes or that the data collected may be inconclusive.
- The selection process for participants could be perceived as unfair or biased.
- Potential for dependency on the guaranteed income, disincentivizing work.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is primarily linked to the "general Welfare" clause (Article I). Congress has broad authority to tax and spend for the general welfare of the United States. However, the specifics of the program, such as eligibility criteria and payment amounts, could be subject to scrutiny regarding equal protection and due process if they appear arbitrary or discriminatory.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).