Millions of dollars in free money will soon be distributed to Americans in a new guaranteed basic income plot launching in Washington state.
The Thrive Prince George’s pilot is a two-year, $4 million program aimed at youth between the ages of 18 and 24 who have aged out of the foster system, and senior citizens over the age of 60.
For two years, participants in Washington’s Prince George’s County will receive monthly payments of $800 with no strings attached and no requirements tied to employment, and will be on top of existing supplementary or government benefits that the individuals may already be receiving.
The program is funded using both public and private funds from various foundations and non-profit organizations.
According to Prince George’s County, the pilot aims to help lift more families out of poverty by “increasing their financial stability and helping to create more pathways to greater economic opportunity.”
“Thrive Prince George’s will give participants increased flexibility and financial freedom so they can live with dignity and be empowered to overcome whatever barriers they may face – whether it is meeting basic needs, paying down a debt, moving into permanent housing, furthering their education to secure a better job, or to stop working a second job so they can spend more time with their families.”
Speaking to local news, Phyllis Wright said the program has been a “lifeline” for her as she struggles to support two teenagers on a fixed income.
“The grocery stores, where you don’t have to put something back when you can afford to pay for something that you want to have… When you go get gas, you don’t have to worry about not filling up your car when you’re going to the grocery stores or when you’re going to pay for your prescriptions, and you can say, ‘Well I can get all of my prescriptions now, I don’t have to wait for them.'”
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