Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Kenyatta joins Legislators for a Guaranteed Income

Kenyatta joins Legislators for a Guaranteed Income

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    May 1, 2025 | 10:37 AM

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta has joined 23 other legislators from 17 states as part of Legislators for a Guaranteed Income, a major national effort, to reaffirm his commitment to advancing bold, people-first policies that promote economic equity and close the growing gap between the ultra-wealthy and working families.

This newly expanded network -- building on the work of mayors and county officials --has already launched 72 pilot programs delivering over $335 million in direct economic relief to families across the country.

“Poverty is the moral and economic issue of our lifetime,” said Kenyatta. “And too often, it’s treated like a personal failure instead of a policy choice. We have the resources -- we just haven’t had the political will. Basic income flips that script.”

Kenyatta, who has long championed guaranteed income policies, emphasized that millions of Pennsylvanians work full-time jobs -- or multiple jobs -- and still struggle to cover necessities like rent, groceries and childcare.

“Living paycheck to paycheck is not a character flaw. It’s the byproduct of rigged systems that reward billionaires while families fight to survive,” Kenyatta said. “A guaranteed income is not just about stability—it’s a tool to make the economy work for working people again.

“At a time when federal programs are getting slashed while tax breaks for billionaires keep piling up, state and local leaders have to do what Washington won’t -- deliver real help to working people. We’ve spent decades chasing trickle-down nonsense that never trickled anywhere but up. Guaranteed income flips that script -- putting money directly in the hands of folks who will actually spend it in their communities, boosting local economies and helping small businesses thrive.

“This isn’t just about survival -- it’s about making sure everyday people can participate in and power the economy, not just scrape by in it.”