El-Sayed's Supporters Back Guaranteed Income Programs

Supporters of Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed have expressed approval for guaranteed income programs, a policy concept that has seen increasing adoption in municipalities across the country. These sentiments were shared by voters outside Cass Technical High School in Detroit, where El-Sayed held a campaign rally attended by former President Barack Obama.

"I think it's a good idea," one rallygoer told Fox News Digital. "With the prices rising and programs being cut like they are and trying to get access to them. Yeah, I think it's a good idea. I hope he supports them."

The event aimed to solidify ties between the progressive candidate and the Democratic establishment as El-Sayed competes to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich.

Another voter, Dave, stated, "I do, and I think the billionaires should be paying for it." Kiana Montgomery, a publicist, also voiced support, adding conditions. "I do [support it]. I think there should be parameters — exactly what people can spend it on to ensure everybody's trying to uplift the community as a whole," she said. "A rising tide lifts all ships, and if people are in need, we should definitely support them."

El-Sayed has previously indicated support for direct cash interventions for poverty. At the "Guaranteed Income Now" summit in Detroit, he proposed a pilot program in Wayne County that would invest $500 a month in young parents enrolled in community college. "As you try to do the impossible, we can give you a leg up — one less shift of work a week to try and be that student you want to be and that parent that you need to be for your kids," El-Sayed explained.

The summit was organized by the Economic Security Project (ESP), an advocacy group that has facilitated over 100 guaranteed income pilot programs nationwide. These initiatives are typically designed as temporary, unconditional cash transfer programs intended to assess the economic and health impacts of direct financial support.

In Michigan, the "Rx Kids" program, which provides cash assistance to expectant mothers and infants, is expanding in Detroit and other cities. Eligible pregnant women receive a one-time payment of $1,500, followed by $500 monthly for up to 12 months post-birth. While proponents view it as a targeted "child allowance," critics argue it is similar to universal basic income. Michigan House Republicans have raised concerns regarding the program's oversight and the nearly $400 million in public and philanthropic funding it has secured.

State Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, criticized the lack of spending safeguards, labeling unconditional cash as a "redistribution of wealth." Republicans express worries about transparency and administrative costs, noting that the administering nonprofit, GiveDirectly, receives substantial fees. Conservative groups argue that unconditional cash programs discourage workforce participation and foster dependency. Proponents, however, cite data from numerous cash transfer pilots suggesting that such programs can reduce infant poverty and enhance health outcomes.

Detroit is among over 100 U.S. municipalities that have tested basic income-style pilots since 2018. As temporary federal COVID-19 relief funds diminish, local governments are exploring sustainable funding for cash transfers. Cook County, Illinois, for instance, has allocated $7.5 million in local taxpayer funds to maintain its guaranteed income program as a permanent budget item.

For some rally attendees, economic support and healthcare access are intertwined. "He absolutely should [campaign on it], especially being a woman and knowing what women risk, especially in healthcare, how there's already a deference against us," supporter Tammy Bacon told Fox News Digital. "They don't listen to what we need. There's a significant need for women in healthcare and to listen to our issues, our values, and respect us and give us the care that we need without being discriminatory or presumptuous."

Mohammed, a resident of Bloomfield Hills, agreed that targeted assistance could be beneficial. "It's a good thing — as long as the money is being used the right way for good and for children … women, children, and pregnant women," he said. "For people who want to get an education, that's a good idea, too."

El-Sayed's campaign had not immediately responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.