Bill > S2032

This bill proposes establishing a universal basic income (UBI) pilot program in Massachusetts that would randomly select at least 1,500 residents to receive monthly income supplements designed to ensure they earn a living wage. The program would be overseen by a commissioner who will work with various state agencies to calculate individual living incomes based on household size and other relevant characteristics. If a participant's monthly income falls below the calculated living income, the state will provide a supplemental payment to bridge the gap. The program requires securing philanthropic funding to operate for at least 5 years before implementation and will establish an advisory committee of experts to guide the research and evaluation aspects. The pilot will comprehensively measure the program's impact across multiple domains, including public health outcomes (such as nutrition, hospitalization rates, and substance misuse), workforce and educational achievements, and criminal justice metrics. Notably, the program aims to not only provide financial support but also rigorously study the potential broader societal benefits of a universal basic income approach, with a commitment to collecting detailed data on how such a program might affect residents' overall well-being and the Commonwealth's social and economic landscape.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2032