Loudoun County votes against guaranteed income pilot program

Loudoun County's Board of Supervisors voted against a proposed guaranteed income pilot program in a 3-5-1 decision, reversing an earlier vote in May that had supported the program's development with a $2 million allocation. The program aimed to provide financial assistance without restrictions on how recipients could use the funds, a feature that raised concerns among several supervisors. Critics, including Supervisor Matthew Letourneau, argued that the program lacked scientific rigor and would not yield reliable data due to self-selection bias among participants. Supervisor Kristen Umstattd expressed her disapproval, advocating for more targeted assistance programs instead. She highlighted the potential risks of creating a new infrastructure for financial aid without adequate oversight on fund usage. The initial support for the program had been contingent on funding from the American Rescue Plan, but as details emerged, questions about budgeting and expenses arose, leading to increased skepticism. Vice Chair Juli Briskman, a strong supporter of the initiative, voiced disappointment over the board's decision, noting that enthusiasm had waned despite previous agreement on the program's potential. She referenced positive outcomes from similar programs in other areas, such as increased employment and improved mental health among participants. Chair Phyllis Randall compared the program to school vouchers, arguing it would benefit a limited group without sufficient safeguards. Despite the passionate advocacy from Supervisor Koran Saines, who championed the program, the proposal ultimately failed to gain the necessary support from the board members.