Guaranteed Basic Income trial program in Rochester led to modest improvements for recipients,
Two years ago, when Evans Buntley entered Rochester’s Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program, he was struggling to get by, burdened by low income and the high cost of rent.
The program offered $500 per month for a year for extremely low-income Rochesterians, no strings attached. For Buntley, it ended in mid-2024. His life did not change radically as a result of the pilot, but he does feel it has given a stronger footing. He’s currently saving to buy a house and feels he’s made some steps toward financial stability…