WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 4171

Establishes "Guaranteed Income Pilot Program" in DOLWD for residents of certain cities.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill creates a guaranteed income pilot providing direct cash payments to residents in select cities to test economic impacts and program viability.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor Committee
#labor #municipaliti
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4171

Legislative bill overview

S 4171 establishes a Guaranteed Income Pilot Program administered by New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development, targeting residents in specific municipalities. The program would provide direct cash payments to eligible residents as a test initiative to evaluate guaranteed income's effects on employment, economic stability, and community outcomes.

Why is this important

Guaranteed income pilots have gained momentum nationwide as policymakers test whether unconditional cash transfers can reduce poverty and improve financial security without discouraging work. The outcomes of this New Jersey pilot could inform future state and federal policy decisions on income support programs and influence how other states design similar initiatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and costs: The bill's fiscal impact and whether funding comes from existing budgets or requires new appropriations is unclear from the basic description
  • Eligibility criteria and geographic selection: Questions about which cities qualify, how residents are selected, and whether targeting specific municipalities creates equity concerns
  • Program sustainability and scale: Pilot programs raise questions about whether successful outcomes justify permanent, statewide expansion and the long-term budgetary implications
  • Work incentive effects: Debate over whether guaranteed income encourages workforce participation or creates dependency, with differing studies showing mixed results

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.