Montgomery County Council to consider cash in pockets for struggling families

Families struggling to make ends meet could find more cash in their pockets if the Montgomery County Council moves ahead with a pilot program designed to provide economic stability within the Maryland county.

The Guaranteed Income Pilot Program would give 300 Montgomery County households — they could be families or individuals — $800 a month for 24 months. The plan is flexible, and recipients can spend the money how they see fit.



It’s modeled after a California program, the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration or SEED program, that resulted in minimizing dramatic fluctuations in family finances and allowed some recipients to find full-time jobs, according to information cited in the county council’s analysis.

Under the plan, the county would provide $2 million in a special appropriation, while The Meyer Foundation has committed $1 million in support. That would provide enough funding for the first seven months of the pilot program. The total cost to operate for 24 months would come to $5.7 million.

The Montgomery County Council plans a public hearing on the issue for Nov. 2.

Kate Ryan

As a member of the award-winning WTOP News, Kate is focused on state and local government. Her focus has always been on how decisions made in a council chamber or state house affect your house. She's also covered breaking news, education and more.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up