Task Force To Study Whether Guaranteed Income Could Alleviate Financial Inequality In The Old Fourth Ward
In Atlanta, a new task force is studying the feasibility of a pilot guaranteed basic income program or a state earned income tax credit in the Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood, an area of the city that is rapidly changing.
Evey Wilson / WABE
Universal basic income is a topic that received some attention during the most recent presidential primaries.
Former candidate Andrew Yang popularized the concept when he campaigned on the promise to provide $1,000 to every American each month.
However, the idea of some sort of guaranteed income program has been around for a while.
The concept is now gaining some more traction as some experts say the concept could be used to lessen inequities amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here in Atlanta, a new task force is studying the feasibility of a pilot guaranteed basic income program or a state earned income tax credit in the Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood, an area of the city that is rapidly changing.
A study completed by the task force found the area’s median household income has risen from $19,599 in 2000 to $53,513 in 2018. At the same time, the study noted about 1 in 5 residents are living below the federal poverty line — with more Black residents living in poverty than white residents.
District 2 City Councilmember Amir Farokhi is leading the effort to study how a guaranteed income program could alleviate this inequity within his district.
He joined “Closer Look” host Rose Scott on Wednesday’s edition of the program to explain the task force’s goals over the next several months.
Guest:
To hear the full conversation, click on the audio player above.
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