PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11) - Ritchie Reyes loves to sing the praises of his mom, Monserrate, a healthcare worker who looks after seniors.
"She's one hard-working lady," said Reyes.
Altogether, they're a family of five. Like many families in Paterson, life has been hard for them financially.
"Prices are going up, the economy is going up," said Reyes.
Last November, his mother was one of 200 qualifying Patersonians selected to receive $400 of guaranteed income every month for a year.
"You can see how less stressed she is when she comes home," said Reyes.
"The people in Paterson -there are many- are a flat tire away from financial distress," Mayor Andre Sayegh, who touted the success of the city's guaranteed income program and efforts to spread even more wealth.
"Every city, major city, that has people living below the poverty line should have a guaranteed income," said Sayegh.
The city said data shows participants are widely spending money on food, rent and other bills and have demonstrated improved savings and ability to cover unexpected expenses. It began with 110 participants in 2022 and increased to 200 last year, with the help of the federal government, as the City Council was able to leverage American Rescue Plan money.
Still, officials said if they want to expand the program even more, they will need help.
"We have requested from our State Legislative Delegation a $5.5 million earmark in this year's State Budget so we can expand the program, scale up and help 1,000 people - $400 a month for the year," said Sayegh.
Sayegh, hoping the State can help them help more people like Monserrate Reyes.
"This program helps us in our efforts to win the war on poverty," said Sayegh.
English (US) ·