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Ep. 32 Can Guaranteed Basic Income Really Break the Cycle of Poverty?
On this episode of MHD Off the Record, MHD sits down with Abigail Marquez, General Manager of the Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), and Michael Tubbs, Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) and Special Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom. Together, they dive into the realities of Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI)—a policy designed to provide no-strings-attached cash payments to individuals and families in need.
With millions struggling to make ends meet, we ask: Does GBI empower people to escape poverty, or does it foster dependency? Our guests share insights from pilot programs in Los Angeles and Stockton, breaking down the data, misconceptions, and long-term impact of direct cash assistance.
Abigail R. Marquez serves as the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles’ Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), a position she has held since 2021. With nearly 21 years of experience advancing anti-poverty initiatives in Los Angeles, Marquez plays a key role in overseeing programs designed to disrupt generational poverty and support low-income residents. She is responsible for administering the City’s Consolidated Plan, which allocates around $120 million in federal funds annually to support various capital projects and social services. This includes managing 20 FamilySource Centers and services for domestic violence and human trafficking survivors. Under her leadership, CIFD has implemented notable initiatives, including the Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program (BIG), the largest of its kind in the nation, and the Opportunity LA Children’s Savings Account program, which helps thousands of first-graders build financial security. Prior to this role, she was the Assistant General Manager at the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), where she led efforts in community services and development.
Michael Tubbs is the Founder of the Non-profit organization, End Poverty in California (EPIC), the Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), and the Special Advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom for Economic Mobility and Opportunity. In 2016, he was elected Mayor of Stockton at 26-years-old. He was the city’s first African-American Mayor, and the youngest Mayor of any major city in American history. As Mayor, Tubbs was lauded for his leadership and innovation. He raised over $20 million dollars to create the Stockton Scholars, a universal scholarship and mentorship program for Stockton students. Additionally, he piloted the first mayor-led guaranteed income pilot in the country. His book, The Deeper the Roots: A Memoir of Hope and Home, where he details the experiences of his life is available now wherever books are sold.
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There are free tax prep locations all across LA. Here are four locations where you can get help:
All People's Community Center – South LA
Barrio Action Youth & Family Center – El Sereno
El Nido Family Center – South LA & Pacoima
West Adams/Leimert Park FamilySource Center
Visit www.FreeTaxPrepLA.org to find a location near you and book an appointment today.
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West LA WorkSource Center (JVS-SoCal)
5446 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230
310-309-6000
Northeast San Fernando Valley WorkSource Center (Mission College)
13356 Eldridge Ave., Campus Center, Sylmar, CA 91342
818-482-1754
West Adams/Leimert Park FamilySource Center
4305 Degnan Blvd., Suite 105, Los Angeles, CA 90008
323-293-6284
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2130 1st St., Suite 110, Los Angeles, CA 90033
323-526-9301
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