Guaranteed Income Works: Data from Gainesville, FL
JUST INCOME
Just Income is an innovative guaranteed income program for people affected by the justice system in Alachua County, Florida. Implemented by Former Mayor Lauren Poe, and administered by Community Spring, the pilot program was developed and managed by people who are formerly incarcerated, to meet the unique set of challenges that returning citizens face.
People coming home from prison face extraordinary debts and required fees, such as court supervision costs, urinalysis, electronic monitoring, and mandatory classes. At the same time, they face high barriers to obtaining employment and housing, and can be excluded from some crucial assistance programs. As a result, many people struggle to piece together what the state requires, and falling short can result in re-incarceration.
Just Income provided temporary, unconditional monthly payments directly to residents reentering the Alachua County community after incarceration, no strings attached. Beginning in January 2022, the pilot program provided an initial unrestricted cash payment of $1,000 in the first month, followed by $600 in each of the following 11 months. A total of 115 individuals were randomly selected to receive the monthly payments, while 134 people were assigned to the control group and did not receive the guaranteed income. Researchers conducted a mixed methods randomized controlled trial (RCT) study and found reduced recidivism, improved financial resilience, improved household environments, and increased feelings of mattering. The income floor enabled recipients to not only support themselves and their families but also experience a sense of hope, forge connections within their families and communities, and dedicate quality time to their children.
Key Takeaways
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The recidivism rate (new arrest, incarceration, or conviction) among Just Income participants was 31% lower over the 18-month study period. This represents a 12% decrease in the odds of recidivism compared to people who did not receive payments. This result highlights that GI offers a crucial exit from the cycle of poverty and incarceration.
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There was a statistically significant increase in the ability to cover a $400 emergency expense among participants, compared to the control group. This difference lasted after the program ended.
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Participants reported lower rates of very low food security than people in the control group, a difference of about 41% versus 55%, respectively.
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Participants reported that guaranteed income helped them take better care of themselves, by enabling them to eat more and healthier food, fill needed prescriptions, and meet other basic health needs.
Participants also reported higher levels of hope across all time periods of the study.
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Guaranteed income allowed participants to show up for others and feel more in control of their lives, which benefited their sense of self.
A higher percentage of participants than control group participants reported the ability to help family and friends financially, which often included covering expenses like rent, childcare, and transportation. This can be especially meaningful for people who depended on loved ones financially during incarceration and immediately post-release.
The findings demonstrate that a guaranteed income can help overcome some of the barriers to successful reentry and unlock the inherent potential of people who have been justice-impacted. With seemingly intractable odds stacked against them, Just Income participants made marked improvements in navigating material hardship. This pilot program demonstrates the potential of this simple and effective solution to improve the lives of formerly incarcerated people, which holds potential for us all by promoting public safety, reducing healthcare and criminal justice costs, and directly contributing to a more equitable society.