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Cook County, Illinois—home to Chicago—has taken concrete steps toward implementing UBI. The County Board of Commissioners recently adopted a $7.5 million budget allocation for a guaranteed basic income program set to launch in 2026. This follows a successful pilot where 3,200 households received $500 monthly over two years. Surveys indicated high positive impacts: 94% used the funds for emergencies, 75% felt more financially secure, and 70% reported mental health benefits.