ABQ Times

On November 9, 2024, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and the city's Office of Equity and Inclusion organized a screening of the documentary "It’s Basic" at the KiMo Theater. The event was open to all community members and began with remarks from Mayor Keller and Sonya Lara, Director of OEI.

“Unfortunately, it’s not always a level playing field for folks trying to access things like housing, education, food and healthcare,” stated Mayor Tim Keller. “This program shows that when families have what they need to succeed, they are free to create economic stability for themselves with dignity.”

The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring City Councilor Nichole Rogers; Alfred D. Mathewson, Dean of the UNM School of Law; NM House Representatives Janelle Anyanonu and Cristina Parajón; and Teresa Madrid from Partnership for Community Action. They explored how guaranteed income could serve as a policy solution based on pilot programs across various cities in the United States.

“Guaranteed income programs increase opportunities, improve resilience, and give people the flexibility to decide what’s best for their families,” commented Sonya Lara. “That is why the idea has spread to over 27 states, with 150 guaranteed income pilots happening across the country.”

"It’s Basic" examines several pilot programs where participants receive an additional $500 to $1,000 monthly without conditions. The film delves into themes such as financial stability's transformative effects through testimonials from recipients involved in these initiatives.