2020 presidential candidate, Andrew Yang wanted to implement a universal basic income of $12,000 a year and guaranteed income demonstration projects are underway in several states including in Colorado and New Mexico where cannabis is legal.
New Mexico is second in worker equity, fourth in language diversity, the sixth most diverse state overall and second best in progress toward racial equality but my home state of South Dakota is nearly dead last.
After a 2023 study, a yearlong pilot project providing an income of $750 per month from the City of Albuquerque has elevated 59 families to become more food secure and improve their credit scores.
The households participating saw a 26% increase in savings, according to a survey of recipients, while 45% of families reported feeling secure enough in their financial future to be able to enjoy life more. While many other cities have similar programs supported by grant money, Albuquerque’s is fully funded through tax revenue on cannabis sales. “Rather than working multiple jobs at a time, they’re there to be with their families, to learn from one another, and to have that time at the dinner table,” said Dillon Shije, the deputy director for the Office of Equity and Inclusion. [ KOB teevee]In a related story Yang's New Mexico Forward Party earned enough status for potential candidates to appear on November's ballot.
