I'm writing to voice my support for the Climate Dividend Fund proposed by SB 775, which will return proceeds from California's cap-and-trade system to every state resident in the form of regular checks, equally and unconditionally, and serve as a major step towards ensuring greater economic security for all of us.

Universal dividend funds are a powerful tool to share economic prosperity. In Alaska, the state's universal dividend "Permanent Fund" has lifted 15,000 to 25,000 Alaskans out of poverty annually, with significant impact on seniors, rural Alaskans, and children. 79 percent of Alaskans say the fund is an important source of income for people in their community, and 81 percent say it improves their quality of life.

The dividend fund created by SB 775 will provide much needed support and greater economic inclusion to the 5.8 million Californians living in poverty, with checks scaling up to provide substantial support for individuals and families over time.

Creating a Climate Dividend Fund will allow California to continue its tradition of trailblazing, setting a new precedent for other states to follow and building momentum towards universal dividends across the country. I encourage the state senate to provide greater economic security to all Californians, and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, by passing SB 775.