Missouri Board of Aldermen in St. Louis approved a program to give $500 relief checks to low-income families to help them during the holidays. The program is part of the guaranteed basic income initiative. To get the program implemented, city Mayor Tishaura’s approval is needed and once it passes, about 440 poverty-stricken families will receive the payment.
Megan Green, president of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen said that a child’s education should not be compromised just because their living arrangements are difficult. By giving out $500 relief checks monthly, they believe that low-income families will be able to sustain their child’s education. The fund will be taken from the $5 million pot allotted for pandemic recovery. The program is set to help working parents that lost money during the pandemic recover, especially those who have children in the city public schools to help with their child’s education.
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Who are eligible for the payment?
Low-income parents or guardians of children in city public schools qualify for the program. Once they receive the check, eligible families could use the fund at their discretion. The goal is to help families get a chance to afford their children’s basic food and needs and pay off their debt and rent as well. The $500 relief check will be given to eligible families every month to aid them in sustaining their basic needs amidst high inflation. They will receive payments for 18 months since the board believes that this period will give working parents ample time to recover from the effects of the pandemic. The board will approve eligible recipients and send them the checks the soonest time possible.
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen is committed to reducing racial and gender inequality. Supporting working parents and their children is one way of achieving their promise to make the city a better place to live.
