In recent years, giving people money without any conditions attached was considered absurd in mainstream policy circles. However, a documentary called “It’s Basic” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival this week, shedding light on the growing popularity of guaranteed income programs. The film follows individuals involved in pilot programs across the United States, showcasing the positive impact of receiving a regular paycheck for Americans struggling to make ends meet. Produced by Michael Tubbs, former mayor of Stockton, California, and founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, the documentary seeks to normalize these policies as a means of supporting those in need, strengthening local communities, and addressing social and economic challenges in America.
Currently, over 100 cities in the U.S. are experimenting with basic income programs. The film examines the experiences of five basic income recipients in different cities, according to its director, Marc Levin. Tubbs, who launched the first basic income program in 2018, noted a shift in sentiment since then. The sharp rise in the cost of essential items like food and housing has made the establishment of an income floor even more urgent for many Americans. Tubbs humorously mentioned how other mayors and county officials are now following suit, using public and COVID funds to implement guaranteed income initiatives.
Levin highlighted the positive effects of basic income on recipients, recounting how one single mother and school bus driver compared having cash in hand to refueling her car. She stated, “Put a little gas in my tank and I’ll show you how far I can go.” According to Levin, “$500 might not seem like much, but it can make a significant difference in people’s lives.” The recipients featured in the film work in essential fields such as nursing, social work, and transportation, but struggle to stay afloat.
“They’re essential workers, doing jobs we need, and helping others, yet they can barely make ends meet,” Levin explained. Tubbs expressed encouragement at the plethora of programs emerging nationwide and continues to advocate for basic income as a national policy. He pointed out that the child tax credit experiment, which functioned similarly to guaranteed income, resulted in a 40% reduction in child poverty. However, the policy was not renewed. Tubbs believes that through initiatives like the film and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, the potential of guaranteed income can be fully realized.
Participants in pilot programs used their stipends to pay off debts, repair their cars, and provide clothing for their children. Rather than discouraging work, such initiatives often enable recipients to find higher-paying jobs or transition from part-time to full-time employment. Research also indicates that guaranteed income improves recipients’ physical and psychological well-being by reducing stress and anxiety. According to Tubbs, this type of program would yield even greater outcomes if made permanent, as individuals would have more time to respond to market pressures, invest in themselves, and pursue job training opportunities.
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