February 28th 2024.
In a recent decision, Republican lawmakers in Arizona unanimously voted in favor of a bill that would block guaranteed basic income programs in the state. This move comes despite Arizona ranking fourth in the nation for its high rate of homelessness. These programs, which provide regular government payments to qualifying families and individuals living near or below the poverty line, have been a subject of much debate. One of the co-authors of the bill, Rep. Lupe Diaz, went so far as to compare these programs to socialism and criticize the payments as being "unearned."
Under the new bill, known as House Bill 2375, any program that provides unearned, regular cash payments for any purpose would be prohibited, with the exception of work or training programs. While no Democrats voted in favor of the bill, it still needs to pass through the Arizona Senate before becoming law. Currently, the Arizona Senate is comprised of 16 Republicans and 14 Democrats.
If this bill does pass, it would effectively outlaw homeless hotel programs in cities like Mesa and Scottsdale. Supporters of the bill, like Matt Gress, argue that these programs do not address the root causes of homelessness and simply renting out hotel rooms is not a solution. According to Gress, "renting out rooms doesn't really get to the heart of the matter in getting services, help, and structure to people who are living on the streets."
However, local leaders, such as Mesa City Manager Ian Linssen, disagree. Through a program called Off the Streets, the city of Mesa has been able to assist nearly 2,000 struggling families. Linssen believes that by using federal dollars to rent out hotel rooms, they can continue to make a positive impact. However, with the new bill banning state and local dollars from being used for mixed hoteling, the program would be limited to only federal funds, making it more challenging to continue.
Similar programs have been successfully implemented in cities across the country. In Durham, North Carolina, a guaranteed-income pilot program provides low-income residents with a $600 monthly stipend. Baltimore's Young Families Success Fund offers young mothers a monthly payment of $1,000, similar to a program in Oregon that provides $1,000 to youth living below the poverty line.
Mark-Anthony Middleton, the mayor pro tempore of Durham, noted that many lower-income and Black residents are being pushed aside due to demographic changes. Recent U.S. Census data shows that the city has become 51% whiter over the last two decades, and the median home price has increased by over 50% between 2010 and 2019. These programs have been crucial in helping struggling families and individuals, and it would be a shame to see them prohibited in Arizona.
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