Albuquerque uses weed tax to fund 'no-strings-attached' guaranteed income, sparking policy debate
Albuquerque has initiated a guaranteed basic income (GBI) program funded by its cannabis tax, providing $750 monthly payments to recipients. City officials argue that this approach allows families to use the funds as they see fit, bypassing traditional bureaucratic restrictions. The program has sparked debate, with some state lawmakers questioning its constitutionality and sustainability.
- ▪Albuquerque's GBI program is funded entirely through the city's recreational cannabis tax.
- ▪The program aims to provide direct financial support to struggling households without bureaucratic restrictions.
- ▪Local leaders assert that similar initiatives across the U.S. often rely on private funding rather than municipal tax dollars.
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Media Albuquerque uses weed tax to fund 'no-strings-attached' guaranteed income, sparking policy debate City officials say the program cuts through red tape by letting recipients decide how to spend $750 monthly payments By Joshua Q. Nelson Fox News Published June 3, 2026 9:00pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Texas state lawmaker challenges ‘lottery socialism’ of guaranteed income program launched in Harris County State Sen. Paul Bettencourt told Fox News Digital that a guaranteed income program should be unconstitutional and wants Attorney General Ken Paxton to weigh in.
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