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Summary:
Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) programs have gained traction in the U.S. with over 100 pilots launched since 2018. Michael D. Tubbs, former mayor of Stockton, California, and president of Mayors for Guaranteed Income, discussed the rationale behind these programs with Fox News Digital. Tubbs initiated the movement due to economic challenges in Stockton and aims to use data from pilots to advocate for state and federal adoption. Despite benefits shown by studies, many programs face funding and legal obstacles.
Key Examples:

1. Austin, Texas: Approved a $1.3 million contract to continue its GBI program, initially funded with $1.1 million in taxpayer money and $500,000 in donations. It addressed housing insecurity.
2. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Expanded its program with $22 million from COVID relief funds and donations, providing $500 monthly to 2,000 families for 18 months. Sustaining funding remains a challenge due to legal restrictions.
3. Phoenix, Arizona: Used $12 million of federal COVID relief funds to offer $1,000 monthly to 1,000 low-income families. A state bill proposes banning such programs, comparing them to socialism.
4. Harris County, Texas: Launched a program providing $500 monthly for 18 months, but was blocked by the Texas Supreme Court following a lawsuit deeming it unconstitutional.
   Other cities and counties, including Durham, Baltimore, Cook County, Wayne County, and Los Angeles County, have also initiated GBI pilots. Tubbs argues that critics are out of touch, noting significant public support for GBI, including among Republicans.