St. Paul City Council approves Mayor Carter’s basic income project, starts in October
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter during a news conference Thursday.[KSTP]
Wednesday, the St. Paul City Council approved Mayor Melvin Carter’s pilot program that would provide funds for low-income families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum had previously warned the city needs to ensure the program won’t violate laws on how the city spends the money it is receiving under the federal CARES Act. A spokesperson from the city council confirmed on Wednesday night a resolution was voted on unanimously, authorizing CARES funds to be used for the program at their meeting.
Additionally, the program will now be open to qualifying low-income families from across the city who are in CollegeBound St. Paul, the city’s college savings account program.
Payments would be sent out beginning next month.
Carter signed an executive order on Sept. 3 that created the pilot program.
To see the letter in response to McCollum’s comments on the program, click here.
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