The state of New Mexico is now reported to be weighing a “guaranteed basic income” provision as a way of helping individuals known to be struggling financially.
Though not a new idea on the national stage, New Mexico lawmakers in the Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Committee were recently briefed on its particulars.
“It’ll make their lives smoother, less stressful,” Sante Fe Mayor Alan Webber told KOB.com. “Their family life will be better. Their mental health will be better, and, ultimately, their economic future will be better.”
While talks still remain in the early stages, the program, funded by a national advocacy group, would give monthly stipends of $400 over the course of a year to as many as 100 people under age 30 that have children and are attending Santa Fe Community College.
While studies show opinions about such programs are split across the country, Republican state Rep. Larry Scott of Lea County leaves no doubt about how he feels.
“I have several reservations,” he said, adding to KOB4 that “right now the state has many needs and I don’t know where those additional funds would come from.”
All across the country, a growing number of states are starting to weigh the value of such guaranteed income programs, with officials in Stockton, California, and Hawaii recently touting their ventures as huge successes.