Just Income
Just Income is a guaranteed income project in Alachua County, Florida, providing temporary, unconditional monthly payments directly to people who have been impacted by the justice system.
SPENDING BREAKDOWN
The data in this pie chart shows aggregate spending for guaranteed income participants in Gainesville, FL. This includes all non-cash expenditures from the participants’ bank accounts, not just those that are from the guaranteed income they received.
Retail sales and services accounted for the largest share of spending, at 35.61%, followed by Food and groceries (33.78%) and Transport related expenses (9.11%).
CHILD TAX CREDIT
The state of California saw significant reduction in poverty as a result of the largest, national pilot in the Child Tax Credit that was implemented as a result of the Covid Pandemic.
This program provided tax credit for eligible taxpayers with qualifying children in the form of cash payouts. The credit amount varied based on factors like the number of qualifying children and the taxpayer’s income. It can lower tax liability or result in a tax refund.
During the course of this pilot, it has been proven to reduce poverty for families with dependent children – in every state.
Poverty Rate (Current Law)
20.1%
Poverty Rate (Under new tax credit)
12.8%
Percentage point reduction
7.3%
Percent change
36.2%
DEMOGRAPHICS
Basic Information
sample size (Treatment Group)
900
Avg. Age of Respondent (years)
1
Children in Households
Have Children in Household
1
%
No Children in Household
5
%
Avg. children in Household
1
Avg. Household size
Gender
Male
1
%
Female
5
%
Other
5
%
Ethnicity
Hispanic
1
%
Non-Hispanic
%
Race
White
1
%
African American
5
%
American Indian/ Alaska Native
5
%
Asian
1
%
Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
5
%
Latino
5
%
Other/ Mixed
5
%
Marital Status
Single
5
%
Married
5
%
Partnered/ in-relationship
5
%
Primary language at Home
English
5
%
Spanish
5
%
Other
5
%
Annual Household Income (in $USD)
Mean
$
14000
Median
$
10800
Featured Story
"T" (anonymous)
T is a longtime resident of Alachua County, Florida. An avid animal lover, they are also a proud parent of two sons—one in the military and the other at home with special needs. With their guaranteed income, they have settled legal fees and been able to cover their bills. They are also now in a position to help support a loved one after their release from incarceration.
“I got on my phone and looked and it said $1,000. Man, I started jumping for joy! And then I paid probation. I’ve been struggling to pay them, but I’ve never missed a month, but I’d gotten to where this was my last day to pay. This money came on and it was the best feeling in the world. It just came on at the perfect time. I had my last day to pay probation and bam! This was everything I needed.”
“I’ve got to take my dogs to the vet to get their shots. This money coming on was perfect. This is probably the nicest and most helpful thing that’s happened to me, just from people helping me. From me not knowing how I was gonna pay my bills or probation, and to now know I have it. I’ve got the money. It’s unbelievable. It couldn’t have come at a better time. This money impacted me greatly. It’s a blessing.”
One of seven siblings, Calvin was born at Joe DiMaggio Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. A high school graduate who went on to college, he is a renowned athlete and a military veteran.
Facing challenges later in his life, Calvin fell prey to the revolving door of poverty and incarceration.
With an unconditional guaranteed income, Calvin was able to pay fines and fees and complete parole. He is now free of all forms of correctional supervision. He was also able to purchase a vehicle, greatly expanding his opportunities and allowing him to travel to stay connected with his family.
Calvin is a certified over-the-road trucker whose goals include full-time employment in his area of expertise, homeownership, and living a joyful, free life. A believer in community advocacy, Calvin now assists other residents in the Volunteers of America program, provides support for those in recovery, and helps distribute resources to those in need through outreach work.
“[Guaranteed income] helps me monetarily afford food and helps me to be able to move around, maneuver, submit resumes, so on and so forth. I don’t have to worry about committing another crime just to support myself.”
Featured Story
Calvin
Featured Story
Izzy
Originally from Upstate New York, Izzy is a longtime resident of Gainesville, FL. An accomplished musician, stylist, and athlete, Izzy is deeply rooted in the community. She is especially devoted to supporting at-risk youth by sharing her own experience.
After having contact with the justice system earlier in her life, she fell prey to the trap of incarceration because of the lasting impacts of a criminal record. After being excluded from opportunities because of societal bias, Izzy can now use a guaranteed income to pursue entrepreneurship, to carve her own path. She looks forward to showing the talent, creativity, and ambition so many justice-impacted people possess.
“When you are a felon, it’s automatically like nobody wants to give you a chance. People are overlooked, but I’ve seen the most talented, creative people behind bars. I want people to know that this program is giving a lot of people an opportunity to grow.”
“Since I have been a part of this program, it’s given me leverage to pursue my own business. It is helping me grow in my own ways. I have used Just Income to pursue my entrepreneurship, start my own business, and live out my dreams. It has been a very helpful stepping stone for my career and my life.”
Murray is proud to have been born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. After finishing high school, and struggling in a low-income environment, he had his first interaction with the justice system. The burden of a criminal record made it harder to make ends meet.
Determined to give back, Murray shares his resources and implements food distribution for those experiencing houselessness. He is also a member of local groups, organizing and providing support for those suffering from illness. He enjoys spending time with his family and is a passionate cook, feeding stomachs and hearts alike.
Murray has been able to interrupt the revolving door of poverty and incarceration with his unconditional guaranteed income. He has paid off debt for correctional supervision, removing the threat of incarceration. He also had the flexibility to buy a mobility scooter, allowing him the freedom to get around town and visit his sick mother in the hospital. Feeling called to give back to his community, Murray has even assembled and distributed food and care packages to those experiencing homelessness, as he once did.
“I’ve been able to help out some of my relatives with money for gas and got a couple more other relatives who were low on food and I was able to help with that. I appreciate what’s happened in my life and I want to give back and I want to share and give hope to other people”
Featured Story
Murray
Featured Story
Name
Story content goes here
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