The nation’s second-most populous county has extended its guaranteed income program through 2026.
Why It Matters
Thousands of low- and middle-income residents in Cook County, Illinois, are set to receive continued financial support following the “historic success” of the Midwestern region’s guaranteed income pilot program.
Cook County’s announcement follows President Donald Trump’s proposal for a national plan to distribute $2,000 “tariff dividend” checks to Americans—a move with significant fiscal and legal implications.
Both initiatives reflect ongoing debates about government direct payments and their role in addressing economic insecurity and affordability for working families.
What To Know
The Board of Commissioners for Cook County, whose county seat is Chicago, voted in November to allocate $7.5 million from its 2026 budget to continue its guaranteed income program…