California Bill to Provide Guaranteed Basic Income to Homeless High School Graduates Blocked

Despite passing the state senate in May 2023 with a 34-4 vote and clearing the Assembly Education Committee last month,Photo byAlexander GreyonUnsplash

A bill that sought to provide guaranteed basic income to over 15,000 homeless high school graduates across California has been blocked in committee. Senate Bill 333, introduced by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), aimed to establish the

California SOAR Guaranteed Income Fund, which would have provided $1,000 per month for four months to support homeless youth transitioning out of high school.

Despite passing the state senate in May 2023 with a 34-4 vote and clearing the Assembly Education Committee last month, the bill was halted by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The proposed payments were set to begin in May 2025.

Senator Cortese expressed deep disappointment in the decision, stating, "We can’t keep graduating more than 15,000 students each year into our streets, creeks, and parks... SB 333 would have created a critically needed lifeline for youth experiencing homelessness."