Democratic Party of Minnesota Supports Universal Basic Income and Gives Undocumented Immigrants $500 Monthly Assistance

Legislative Progress: Minnesota Democrats Advance Controversial Basic Income Program Including Undocumented Immigrants

The implementation of the Universal Basic Income Scheme in Minnesota is surrounded by debate regarding funding allocation and oversight concerns

As stated in Blaze Media‘s article, Minnesota Democrats are pushing for a universal basic income scheme that will redistribute public funds to low-income citizens, including undocumented immigrants, in a controversial move. House File 2666, sponsored by Democratic state representative Athena Hollins, cleared the House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee, indicating that the bill may succeed because Democrats control both chambers of Congress and the governor’s office. The program may get $100 million from the General Fund in fiscal year 2025 if it is coordinated with the companion bill from the state Senate, Senate File 2559. Nonprofits would then be responsible for allocating the funds in monthly increments of $350 to $1,200 to qualifying individuals and families.

Democratic Party of Minnesota Supports Universal Basic Income and Gives Undocumented Immigrants $500 Monthly Assistance (PHOTO: Alpha News)

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Republican Opposition Casts Doubt on Democratic Campaign for Minnesota’s Inclusive Basic Income Program

Republicans such as state representative Walter Hudson, who is a critic of the proposed legislation, highlighted in committee hearings how there is little supervision and responsibility, as well as the potential for abuse and insufficient safeguards to keep money from funding addiction or illicit behavior. Republican criticism hasn’t stopped Democrats, who emphasize the program’s inclusivity which would provide benefits to undocumented immigrants, and the fact that participation wouldn’t require legal documentation. Although Democrats contend that such provisions are necessary to help all taxpayers, issues regarding the bill’s viability and long-term effects on the state’s welfare distribution are being raised by the current debate surrounding it.

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