(The Center Square) – Local governments would be banned from participating in guaranteed income programs if a bill passed by the Senate in Tennessee becomes law.
Its fate in the House of Representatives is uncertain.
Senate Bill 351 was changed by an amendment to address the programs. The House has yet to hear the bill in the Cities and Counties Subcommittee.
Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, sponsored the bill.
“This is socialism,” Taylor said. “This is what our country fought wars over is to ensure we as citizens don’t have to depend on the government for our sustenance. It’s just not right for a local government to take money from a philanthropic organization or to use taxpayer money and turn around and give it to a citizen who is not working who is able-bodied and can work but won’t.”
Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, defended the programs.
“It is not socialism, it’s a safety net to make sure those who may not be able to obtain employment for a period of time are still able to pay their bills and participate in the process,” Akbari said.
The bill passed 26-4.
Akbari and Rep. Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis, introduced a bill that would establish a guaranteed income program in Tennessee. The bill would give Tennessee residents over the age of 18 a $3,000 payment annually, divided out over 12 months. It would cost the state nearly $17 million, according to the fiscal note. The bills have not made it past committees.
Some states have backed the programs but others have not.
Iowa banned guaranteed income programs during the 2024 legislative session.
Cook County in Illinois announced Wednesday that it is expanding a pilot program that pays 3,250 families $500 a month for two years. The American Rescue Plan Act funded the $42 million program.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued to stop a guarantee income program in Harris County, which had proposed a $500 a month payment for 1,928 using $20.5 million in COVID-19 relief money.
