Res 1280-2020

By Council Members Cornegy and Chin Whereas, A universal basic income, or U.B.I., refers to the idea of implementing a universal payment to all citizens that is non-taxable and non-means tested; and Whereas, Jobs are being automated, the cost of living is rising and freelance work is prevalent (known as the "gig economy") leading to income instability or loss; and Whereas, Many see universal basic income as a means to alleviating income inequality and mitigating the effects on the workforce from automation and the instability of the gig economy; and Whereas, In the United States, U.B.I. pilots are being implemented in at least two municipalities in California, Oakland and Stockton, and a pilot is being explored in Chicago; and Whereas, S.6696, Sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker, would direct the State Comptroller to establish and implement a two-year pilot program to demonstrate the economic impacts and state-level cost savings of a universal basic income no later than January 1, 2021; and Whereas, The bill states the pilot program will include 10,000 participants randomly chosen from applicants from across the state and participants in the program shall receive $7,200 per year for individuals and $14,400 per year for couples; and Whereas, According to the legislation, universal basic income received by participants shall not be included in determining eligibility for the supplemental nutrition assistance program or temporary assistance for needy families, thus participants would not be at risk of losing their public assistance or food benefits; and Whereas, S.6696 stipulates that participants be 21-65 years old and employed with an income less than $35,000 per year; and Whereas, S.6696 dedicates $288 million to the pilot, with half coming from the State Treasury general fund and half from the stock transfer tax fund; and Whereas, The stated purpose of the bill is to prevent or reduce poverty amongst the citizens of New York and increase equality; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign S.6696, a bill that would establish and fund a universal basic income pilot program. CP LS 12362 12/10/19