The program’s financial feasibility will be discussed at the county’s budget meeting in June, and the logistics will be discussed in August.
Santa Clara County officials are considering a guaranteed basic income program for former inmates to help them integrate back into society
The advocates believe the program could decrease recidivism by providing a financial cushion and helping individuals readjust to society. The county plans to establish program details such as monthly amounts, eligibility criteria, and program length. The funds are expected to come from American Rescue Plan dollars instead of the county’s general fund.
Santa Clara County has piloted other income initiatives, including a first-in-the-nation basic income program for foster youth transitioning out of foster care, a similar project for unhoused high school seniors, and a coalition of groups providing a guaranteed monthly income to 150 families for two years. The guaranteed monthly income with no strings attached means recently incarcerated individuals can obtain basic necessities, according to Jesse Mejia, a program manager at the San Jose State University Record Clearance Project.
The little things add up, and even having money on hand for transportation to get to appointments can ease the burden for individuals returning to society
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg said that she understands there may be hesitation and concerns in the community, but addressing the needs of formerly incarcerated residents can break the cycle of individuals exiting and reentering the prison system. Activists and advocates believe that a program is a unique approach that gives agency and independence back to recently incarcerated individuals and can be seen as an investment in their successful reintegration into society.
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