Illinois Reparations Coalition Advocates for Guaranteed Income Program as Drug War Reparations

Illinois Reparations Coalition Advocates for Guaranteed Income Program as Drug War Reparations

Chicago, Ill. -- On Tuesday, April 16, at the State of Illinois Building (555 West Monroe), the Illinois Reparations Coalition (IRC), spearheaded by Equity and Transformation (EAT), will address the R3 Board. The IRC aims to propose the reallocation of 25% of the funds from the R3 program to establish a guaranteed income initiative statewide. This program is designed specifically for those impacted by the War on Drugs and seeks to support 1,000 recipients with monthly payments of $500 for 18 months, in addition to covering administrative costs. This initiative not only aligns with the R3’s objectives to Restore, Reinvest, and Renew communities adversely affected by violence, incarceration, and disinvestment, but it also targets support towards Black and Brown communities disproportionately impacted by discriminatory drug policies.

The repercussions of the War on Drugs continue to create barriers in employment, housing, and education, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and disenfranchisement in communities of color. The IRC, representing 28 city and statewide community organizations, has garnered significant public support for this initiative. Over 2,000 Illinoisans (and counting) have signed a petition endorsing this approach to direct financial reparations. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of guaranteed income (GI) programs will be presented, drawing on results from similar initiatives like EAT’s Chicago Future Fund, Cook County’s Promise Guaranteed Income, and Chicago’s Resilient Communities. These programs have demonstrated substantial benefits in enhancing individual and community well-being.

The Illinois Reparations Coalition eagerly anticipates the opportunity to introduce this guaranteed income initiative to the R3 Board. By introducing this proposal, the IRC hopes to ignite meaningful discussions and prompt the implementation of this critical form of reparations. Establishing a guaranteed income fund is an essential step towards mitigating the deliberate harms inflicted on our communities by the War on Drugs. This initiative also supports the R3’s mission to support communities most affected by criminalization, disinvestment, and systemic racism.

Illinois Reparations Coalition:

Advancement Project, BEAR Initiative, Blackroots Alliance, BLM Lake County, Chicago For The People, Chicago NORML, Chicago Votes, Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition, Community Justice Clinic, Free 2 Move, Grow Greater Englewood, Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative, Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishment, Illinois Equity Staffing LLC, MAATCH, Marijuana Justice, Legit Pathways, Live Free Chicago Race Forward, Safer Foundation, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, Southsiders Organized for Unity and Liberation, TASC, THC Staffing Group, Transforming Re-entry Services, Unitarian Church Working Family Solidarity, Workers Center for Racial Justice

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