Republican lawmakers are pushing forward with legislation aimed at banning any form of guaranteed basic income programs within the state. House Bill 2375, introduced by Rep. Lupe Diaz, R-Benson, targets preventing municipalities from enacting ordinances or rules that facilitate payments as part of a guaranteed income scheme. The bill’s progression comes amid increasing discussions and pilot programs across the country aimed at addressing poverty through guaranteed basic income, where individuals below a certain income threshold receive a set amount of money regularly, with no strings attached.
Critics of the bill, predominantly from the Republican party, argue that such programs might undermine existing social safety nets like food stamps by reallocating funds. Rep. John Gillette, R-Lake Havasu, voiced concerns that guaranteed basic income programs might cause other social welfare initiatives to collapse. Conversely, Democrats such as Rep. Betty Villegas, D-Tucson, criticized the preemptive nature of the bill, advocating for local autonomy to address community-specific needs.