In Palm Springs, guaranteed income program for transgender residents mulled
LOS ANGELES — The city of Palm Springs will allocate $200,000 to develop a guaranteed income pilot program for transgender and nonbinary residents. City Council members voted unanimously Thursday to pay DAP Health and Queer Works to design the program and apply for state funding, the first of three phases outlined in a city report to bring the proposed project to fruition. The decision arrives amid a flurry of nationwide legislation aimed at restricting the rights of transgender youth. Councilmember Christy Holstege, who brought the matter to the meeting, said Monday that she felt “incredibly proud” of the city for coming down on “the right side of history and supporting our trans and nonbinary, gender-nonconforming community.” Like other guaranteed income programs, the pilot would provide direct cash payments to individuals to spend as they see fit. That sets it apart from some financial assistance programs that come with work requirements or specify how the money can be spent. Proponents say these types of programs promote physical and psychological well-being by giving some of society’s most marginalized groups a financial life vest…READ FULL ARTICLE HERE…| Merced Sun-Star (mercedsunstar.com)
