Tami L. Gouveia (left) and James B. Eldridge (right). Picture credit to Lusoamericano (Tami) and Wikipedia (James).

Although it is considered an unlikely pass, House Bill 1632, which would put in place a basic income pilot test in the state of Massachusetts, is being discussed at the local parliament. This pilot program would broadly consist on unconditionally dispensing 1000 $/month to 100 randomly selected citizens, for a three-year period of time. Random selection would occur from “three economically diverse cities or towns”, from which one would be a rural setting.

The presentation of the bill has spurred discussion among state lawmakers and politicians, initiated by Democrats Sen. James B. Eldridge and Rep. Tami L. Gouveia, with the support of the Department of Housing and Community Development. Under the referred bill, the latter would study the effects (e.g.: economic and institutional inequalities) of the rolled out basic income pilot test, and submit a final report after three years.

More information at:

Dave Copeland, “Bill Would Test Universal Basic Income In Massachusetts”, Patch, June 24th 2019