Authorizing the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold public hearings to explore Philadelphia's existing guaranteed income pilot programs and the potential for their expansion.

Authorizing the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold public hearings to explore Philadelphia’s existing guaranteed income pilot programs and the potential for their expansion. WHEREAS, With a 21.7% poverty rate, Philadelphia remains the poorest big city in the nation; and WHEREAS, Rates of poverty for Philadelphians of color are even higher. At 25%, the poverty rate for Black residents is about twice as high as that of white residents, while the rate for Hispanic residents is 33%; and WHEREAS, Living costs, especially housing costs, have increased dramatically over the past several years and overshadowed any gains in household incomes. As a result, median Philadelphian household incomes have fallen since 2019, adjusted for inflation; and WHEREAS, Each year, billions of dollars of State, Local, and Federal dollars are targeted at addressing poverty in Philadelphia. However, large portions of these funds consistently remain inaccessible to families who need them most. Funds are often rendered inaccessible to working class Philadelphians by time-intensive, burdensome application and compliance processes. Furthermore, the families who would benefit most from these funds are often unaware that they qualify for these benefits. Many also feel stigma around receiving traditional government assistance; and WHEREAS, Unlike traditional poverty alleviation programs, guaranteed income programs provide recurring cash payments, with no strings attach…