Legislative Blow to Guaranteed Income Programs
The Iowa Legislature took decisive action against local guaranteed income initiatives with the Senate passing House File 2319. The bill halts local governments' adoption of these programs, directly impacting the central Iowa UpLift pilot program. UpLift currently provides 110 Iowans in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties $500 monthly to assist with basic needs.
Passed by the Senate on a 35-13 vote Tuesday and earlier by the House on March 5, the bill is now on its way to Governor Kim Reynolds' desk. Republicans express concern over guaranteed income approaches to poverty, suggesting such programs are a step in the wrong direction. Senator Scott Webster, R-Bettendorf, emphasized taxpayer concerns and the Legislature's past efforts to combat poverty.
Democrats dispute the bill's merit. Senator Tony Bisignano, D-Des Moines, criticized the action, suggesting it derails efforts to address poverty at the local level. "You've come with nothing to solve poverty," Bisignano said. "And if you're not going to help, get out of the way."
The Mechanics of House File 2319
House File 2319 will prevent counties and cities from implementing payments like UpLift's. However, the bill permits the UpLift program to operate until January 1, 2025, giving it a short extension as its initially planned termination is in May 2025 after two years of running. Work-study and similar training initiatives are exempt from the ban.
According to the bill's provisions, the attorney general can issue cease-and-desist orders to counties violating the restrictions. Legal action can follow for those who persist with such guaranteed income programs.
The UpLift program is administrated by The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement and supported by 30 community groups, including Polk County. Its funding source is diverse, with 11 public and private entities contributing.
Impact on 'UpLift' Participants and Funding
UpLift participants, predominantly residing in Polk County and many living in metropolitan areas, are allotted a debit card reloaded monthly with the $500 payment. These are primarily full-time workers, earning an average household income above $24,000 annually. The program intends to supply a substantial foundation for Iowans straining to meet their basic financial needs.
However, the Legislature's skepticism toward such initiatives' long-term sustainability and efficacy makes the UpLift program and similar future programs face an unsympathetic climate from state lawmakers. The legislators' recent move potentially muffles exploration into alternative poverty alleviation methods through local innovation and experimentation.
Reaction from The Harkin Institute
The Harkin Institute has voiced its perspective. Before the Senate's vote on March 11, the center stated that UpLift addresses the effectiveness of guaranteed basic income programs, generating tangible data for policymakers. The Institute argues that by preemptively banning these initiatives, the Legislature could dismiss a viable solution for enhancing the lives of Iowans.
In the immediate aftermath, the debate continues on the prudence and philosophy behind basic income guarantees. The implications of House File 2319 will evolve as the bill potentially becomes law and as the January 1, 2025, deadline approaches for UpLift, setting a precedent for how Iowa may handle local social welfare strategies in the future.
