NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, and State Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, this week introduced legislation prohibiting local governments from implementing a guaranteed income program in Tennessee. House Bill 337 will restrict local governments from adopting or enforcing a policy that provides regular, unconditional cash payments under a guaranteed income program. “A guaranteed […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, and State Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, this week introduced legislation prohibiting local governments from implementing a guaranteed income program in Tennessee.
House Bill 337 will restrict local governments from adopting or enforcing a policy that provides regular, unconditional cash payments under a guaranteed income program.
“A guaranteed income program is an un-American and unwise use of taxpayer dollars that should never be implemented in the Volunteer State,” Gillespie said. “I’m committed to empowering Memphians and Shelby Countians, but payments with no strings attached will expand reliance on government programs and discourage innovation. West Tennessee is experiencing an economic boom, and improving educational outcomes and workforce development – not offering handouts – will help our community thrive.”
Memphis Mayor Paul Young in February floated the idea of a guaranteed income that would provide $500 to $1,000 to certain residents without conditions.
“My top priority as a state lawmaker is to Make Memphis Matter, and a guaranteed income program would hurt Memphis,” said Taylor. “An income program is a misguided use of resources that takes away from other important initiatives to improve our community and strengthen public safety. Instead of expanding the welfare state, we should focus on empowering Memphians to build a better future through opportunity, not dependency.”
An evaluation of unconditional cash transfer programs by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that a three-year pilot program run by two nonprofits caused recipients to work 1.4 hours less per week, with romantic partners also decreasing their workload. A recipient’s individual income fell by roughly $1,500 per year when not considering the $1,000 payment.
Several Republican-led states across the nation have taken steps to prohibit guaranteed income programs.
State Rep. John Gillespie represents House District 97, which includes part of Shelby County. State Sen. Brent Taylor represents Senate District 31, which includes part of Shelby County.