Today, Creatives Rebuild New York — in partnership with Win, Children’s Defense Fund-New York, and other advocates — announced the formation of the New York State Cash Alliance. The Cash Alliance is a diverse coalition of advocates, community organizers, cash beneficiaries, direct-service providers, policymakers, researchers, and artists who are organizing for a guaranteed income and aligned policies that expand access to unrestricted cash in New York State. The Cash Alliance has been formed in response to economic problems facing New Yorkers: the rising cost of housing, inflation, wage stagnation and the increasing demand for working multiple jobs. Guaranteed income is an evidence-based solution for rebalancing the economy for everyone, but especially those who need it most urgently. 

Guaranteed income pilots continue to proliferate across the United States (with 130 pilots and counting), with a growing number in New York State, from Rochester to Hudson to NYC. The work of these pilots confirms the power of cash to transform lives in an economy that’s simply not working for most people the way it should. As the guaranteed income movement continues to grow this Alliance will strive to sustain the growing energy around guaranteed income, with the ultimate goal of getting a publicly-funded guaranteed income in the state of New York.

For financial relief to reach all New Yorkers in need, the Cash Alliance also fights for policies to increase access to unrestricted cash, including shifting existing public benefits toward an unconditional cash model, expanding tax credits, and investing in new programs such as baby bonds. 

The NYS Cash Alliance will be engaging in advocacy campaigns, legislative endorsements, organizing, community building, and education for guaranteed income and cash policies. The Alliance is a part of a broader, bold national movement for a guaranteed income. Cash coalitions are already organizing for a guaranteed income in Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, and Washington DC.

“Win is thrilled to be part of the NYS Cash Alliance, following the successful launch of our Growing Strong program. Growing Strong is a direct cash transfer and peer support pilot for parents of infants and toddlers in our shelters. For families in economic crisis, guaranteed income is a vital support that honors their agency and expertise in their needs,” said Christine Quinn, President and CEO of Win. “With proposals in front of the legislature such as expanded tax credits for families and the MILC bill, we are excited to work together to turn the lessons from other guaranteed income pilots across the state into meaningful policy that will benefit not only our clients, but all people in New York.” 

“The NYS Cash Alliance is organizing around unconditional cash support for New Yorkers at a critical moment and the Children’s Defense Fund-New York is proud to be part of the collective action,” said Julia L. Davis, Director of Youth Justice and Child Welfare at the Children’s Defense Fund-New York. “Our YouthNPower: Transforming Care direct cash transfer pilot for young people who were formerly in foster care has brought together a team of gifted leaders, creators, teachers, researchers, organizers, and policy advocates who care about our community of young people who have experienced the child welfare system to elevate policies like cash. We are excited to help build the movement with allies to create permanent policies for this kind of support.” 

“The need for coordination and community is strong, making the NYS Cash Alliance a powerful entity to seed real change. New York State is home to millions facing economic precarity and holds tremendous power to be a leader for national policy. Our program is evidence that guaranteed income works,” said Maura Cuffie-Peterson, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Guaranteed Income at Creatives Rebuild New York. “At CRNY we know that the work of artists is essential to society and is central to New York’s identity, culture, and economy – and yet, is dramatically undervalued and consistently undercompensated. We’re proud of the organizing effort that Creatives Rebuild New York has undertaken to launch, convene and facilitate the Alliance. As we prepare for our CRNY sunset, we know the Alliance is well-poised to continue its advocacy in 2025 and beyond.” 

“We are thrilled to join leading advocacy organizations, program practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in launching the New York State Cash Alliance,” said Steph Silkowski, Director of Policy & Strategic Initiatives at The Bridge Project. “As the largest unconditional cash program serving mothers and infants in the country, we know firsthand the benefits of flexible, no-strings-attached cash support for families in need. We look forward to growing the New York State Cash Alliance’s coalition, educating New Yorkers about the flexibility and dignity that comes with unconditional cash support, and advancing municipal and state policies that build a kinder, stronger, safety net for all New York families.”

To learn more about this work and how to get involved, click here.

Photo from the July 2024 Basic Income Guaranteed Conference in San Francisco.