Member Geovanna shared how the Austin Family Stabilization Grant helped her become a certified nurse’s aide: “It gave me the chance to break out of survival mode… This program is not charity, it's empowerment.”

Nearly 20 UpTogether members spoke at the Austin Budget Hearings, urging the city to keep funding the Family Stabilization Grant—monthly cash that’s helped 100+ families stay afloat. Their message: direct cash works, and families know best what they need.

Texas state lawmakers went home for the summer without passing a ban on #guaranteedincome. In @elpasomatters, UpTogether CEO Jesús Gerena wrote about why this victory matters. Read his op-ed:

UpTogether's Ivanna Neri joined @urbaninstitute Mary Bogle at @The_BIG_Conf in Washington, D.C. to present the findings of our work in Austin. They discussed the role of research in moving from a guaranteed income pilot to a policy adopted by the City of Austin.

1/ How We're Growing the Guaranteed Income Movement - Even When It's Hard Something big just happened in Texas, and it deserves all the headlines. Community-led efforts beat back a bill that would have banned #guaranteedincome across the state.

“We all came together to hear our stories together and make our voices heard together. I feel like that’s what unity is,” said Tina Acosta, an UpTogether member from San Antonio. https://t.co/RrA70Lenxa @EveryTxn @ESP_Action

Ashleigh testified at the Texas statehouse against harmful anti-guaranteed income bills. Because of the advocacy of Ashleigh and our other members are partners, the bills did not pass! @EveryTxn @ESP_Action https://t.co/6tjsrQmRq8

Bills to ban guaranteed income in Texas did not pass this session, thanks to advocacy from UpTogether, @EveryTxn and @ESP_Action. We can keep investing in Texas families! https://t.co/8BRhWIuBwk @EconomicSecProj

1/ 🚨 BREAKING: Texas families and advocates just stopped a bill that would’ve banned #guaranteedincome in the state. Here’s how community power beat back big money lobbying—and why it matters. 🧵

"This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about children going to bed hungry, seniors skipping meals, and working families falling through the cracks." https://t.co/Hz9pOaZ8wH

@LibbySchaaf @Move_UpTogether The results speak for themselves: ✅ More full-time employment ✅ Increased housing stability ✅ Improved mental health ✅ Stronger educational outcomes for their kids

While millions of families struggle to afford food and rent, the House passed a tax bill that gives even more to the wealthiest—while slashing support for those most in need. This isn’t about fiscal responsibility. It’s about choices. https://t.co/GoOIuiC067

"If we trust & invest directly in people & their abilities, who are facing financial hardship, they're more than capable to be able to identify goals & figure out what they need to do to be able to find success in their lives."- UpTogether CEO Jesús Gerena https://t.co/L0dVccJbFB

The House Ways & Means tax plan gives permanent tax breaks to the wealthy, with $105 billion going to households making over $1 million. Low-income families could face eventual tax hikes, alongside cuts to #Medicaid and #SNAP. @Brendan_Duke explains:

When @krqe in Albuquerque wanted to find out how that city’s new guaranteed income pilot would impact participants, they turned to UpTogether. We wish Albuquerque well on this initiative and look forward to celebrating the results. https://t.co/QJfK1ZbtCy

Big news: State lawmakers are coming together to push for #guaranteedincome across the country. We're excited to see leaders advancing this conversation and committing to economic mobility for all. https://t.co/VDNiMRwy05

Thank you @RepKevinMullin for reintroducing this important legislation! As we note in our 2025 Policy Agenda, government poverty and social safety net eligibility guidelines are past due for updates to reflect nuanced living costs & ensure adequate government investments.

What an inspiring morning at Austin City Hall on Tuesday! We gathered for a powerful event to explore the findings of the Urban Institute’s evaluation on the impact of cash transfers — the work that led to the creation of the Family Stabilization Grant Initiative! @VanessaForATX

“This is really counter to the harmful narrative that so many critics use — this falsehood that giving people money will make them stop working. It is the exact opposite," said Mayor @LibbySchaaf on the results of Oakland's guaranteed income pilot. https://t.co/8TmX0cVHpi

Marrio Fitzgerald...said Tuesday that the initiative helped him pay for sports & other extracurricular activities for his children. "It comforted me to know that I would be able to make it to the next month.” #guaranteedincome @sfchronicle @OaklandThrives https://t.co/0KkmSsLgVh