(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka will host a roundtable discussion about the promise and power of guaranteed income as a policy solution on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Victoria Theater. Newark's guaranteed income pilot program, the Newark Movement for Economic Equity, concludes later this month and the city recently released preliminary data from independent researchers showing its effectiveness. Recipients of the Newark Movement for Economic Equity and will participate in the discussion. The event begins at 7:00pm.
The event is part of the Guaranteed Income Works national tour and will include a screening of “It’s Basic,” a documentary feature film following guaranteed income recipients from pilots across the nation, including Newark. The film explores the power of cash and the importance of dignity, through the eyes of guaranteed income recipients who have experienced firsthand the transformative effects of financial stability. Award-winning filmmaker Marc Levin will join the roundtable following the film.
“‘It’s Basic’ is an important documentary that validates the work we have done in Newark to provide at-risk residents with a guaranteed income,” Mayor Baraka said. “Here, and in cities across the country, this program empowers people to gain control of their finances and build economic independence. Coupled with the fact that it reduces stress and instills a sense of wellbeing, we are committed to continuing these efforts for qualified individuals and families in Newark. Hopefully, someday, there will be no need for this program. But until then, there is no good argument not to offer our residents the benefits of guaranteed income.”
This event is free and open to the public. All who would like to attend should register here. New Jersey Performing Arts Center is located at One Center Street in Newark, New Jersey.
Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, Mayors for a Guaranteed Income is a coalition of over 120 mayors committed to advancing a federal guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to middle and low-income people. Expanding to include city and county legislators in 2023 with Counties for a Guaranteed Income, the network acts as a research and resource hub for municipal pilots around the country–48 and counting. A new documentary film, It’s Basic, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2023, follows recipients and illuminates the life-changing impact of guaranteed income programs on families’ economic security and opportunity.
