Palm Springs to Fund Universal Basic Income for Trans Residents
This article originally appeared on Q Voice News and is shared here as part of an LGBTQ+ community exchange between Q Voice News and Pride Media.Two local groups wanting to create a universal basic income pilot program for transgender and nonbinary residents will receive $200,000 from Palm Springs to help develop it.The Palm Springs City Council approved a memorandum of understanding in a 4-1 vote at Thursday’s meeting.Mayor Lisa Middleton, who identifies as transgender, voted against the agreement.In March, the council voted 5-0 in favor of helping Queer Works and DAP Health create their basic income pilot program and instructed city staff to create a memorandum of understanding.During that council meeting, Middleton had reservations about the idea and its potential success.At the April 7 council meeting, Middleton spoke about the “abuse” city staff had faced from hostile phone calls and emails from people complaining about the council vote.Middleton said Thursday she was voting no because she doesn’t think it’s a city’s duty to create a basic income program.“I’ve come to a different conclusion regarding how we should proceed and I do so very reluctantly and with great respect for those who think differently,” Middleton said. “I cannot support a basic income program.
