Rep. Rashida Tlaib has introduced legislation that would help provide guaranteed welfare for emancipated youths and adults under the age of 30 despite criticism by officials across the country against such programs.
The proposed bill would give qualifying adults more than $50,000 of taxpayer money over the span of 36 months.
The bill, known as the “Youth Homelessness Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act,” would provide “direct cash assistance” in the amount of $1,400 per month, or the adjusted fair market rent, for 36 months, according to a press release.
Studies would assess “the effects of the program on housing and health outcomes, among other impacts.”
“We can’t keep repeating the same policy approaches that haven’t ended the youth homelessness crisis. By providing direct cash assistance, we can address our housing crisis while respecting the autonomy and dignity of the folks receiving assistance,” said Tlaib. “This bill came directly from young people with lived experience. They helped craft the bill to ensure that it meets the real needs of our unhoused neighbors.”
The Youth Homelessness Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act came from young people with lived experience. This bill will bring us closer to ensuring that they have a roof over their heads. pic.twitter.com/oC62bbRi9C
— Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) March 1, 2024
Tlaib claimed that over 3.5 million young adults and 700,000 young people experience some type of homelessness in a given year. According to Tlaib, the risk of being homeless is higher for black (83%) and LGBTQ (120%) youth.
The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Cori Bush (D-MO), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).
“Our shared ambition is to proactively prevent the hardships faced by our most vulnerable youth, while simultaneously offering them the essential ingredients of stability, empowerment, and a promising future,” said Marcella Middleton, executive director of A Way Home America.
Similar proposals have been made by other “Squad” members, including Ilhan Omar’s proposal last month to provide $1,000 monthly payments for five years to those who have aged out of foster care, according to Fox News.
Not everyone supports such welfare programs, as many lawmakers have criticized such plans. A Texas state senator has criticized a Houston area service that would give 500 a month to poor residents. Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) sent a letter to Attorney General Ken Paxton asking to issue an opinion on whether counties can authorize “basic income programs.” Bettencourt called them “unconstitutional” and said, “What happens when that money runs out?” according to Business Insider.
Responses to Tlaib’s post on social media about the proposed legislation include, “How about giving them jobs,” “Step down,” “I like this,” and “You’re a traitor,” among others.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a DX poll shows that 75% of Dallas voters think homelessness and vagrancy continue to be “major” problems for the City.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Haven for Hope in San Antonio provides support services like job training and counseling on the same site where it maintains transitional housing. The approach has seen a 77% reduction in homelessness in downtown San Antonio and has seen favorable support from Dallas residents through polling.
