The initiative comes in the wake of Stockton’s program, which provides $500 every month to 125 people. Launched by former Mayor Michael Tubbs, Stockton led one of the first universal basic income programs in the U.S. Tubbs lost his re-election in 2020.

Supporters say that universal basic income, which provides cash payments with no strings attached, can lift people out of poverty, address income inequality, alleviate stress and improve health