September 20, 2024
NVM Statement on Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Decision to Not Approve Money for the RISE Program
New Virginia Majority is deeply disappointed by the failure of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors on September 17 to approve $2 million for the RISE Loudoun Economic Mobility Pilot program, a guaranteed income program. This initiative would have provided much-needed financial support to working class families who are struggling to pay their day-to-day expenses at a time when our community is experiencing high inflation and rising rents.
Guaranteed income programs have been successfully implemented across the country, and in multiple Virginia jurisdictions, and studies demonstrate that these programs result in improved outcomes in housing stability, educational attainment, and health and well-being.
“We are part of a community of essential workers who drive the economy of this city, we pay our taxes, and this program would help relieve a family's finances by helping them pay school fees, buy books, medicine, food, gasoline, use the subway, help pay rent, or pay for childcare. This program would be a relief to the economy of families that earn less than $50,000 a year," said Claudia Quezada, NVM member.
Although there were issues with the project, such as the disproportionate amount of funds that would have gone to administrative costs, overall we believe the program was a step in the right direction to help Loudoun families. The creation of an equitable, accessible program that does not discriminate based on documentation status, and that does not impose restrictions on the use of the funds is imperative, as is allowing unrestricted use of the funds, which empowers families with the ability to fill in the gaps in their household budget and determine their own path toward economic stability.
The families who would have benefitted from this program are hard-working, most of whom work multiple jobs and still struggle to afford basic daily expenses such as rent, food, medicines, and school supplies. We commend Supervisors Saines, Briskman, and Glass for standing with their working class constituents by supporting the program; however the Board's failure to approve this program makes us question the desire for equity for Loudoun’s working class communities. We call on the Loudoun County Board to create a guaranteed basic income program so that all of its residents can have a better economic future.
To speak with NVM staff, contact Debra Freeman, [email protected].
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New Virginia Majority builds power in working-class communities of color, in immigrant communities, among LGBTQ people, women, youth, and progressives across the Commonwealth. We organize for racial and economic justice through large-scale political education, mobilization and advocacy around dozens of issues. We fight for a Virginia that is just, democratic and environmentally sustainable. For more information, visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Facebook at @NewVAMajority.