Why We Will Need A Universal Income in the Near Future A. Yang

[sagesnow]

[BeckyDem]

1. If this is meant to remove welfare then that would be a huge mistake.

There is no one size fits all approach that would fulfill the complex needs of people, especially those hit by crisis.

[loyalsister]

2. That's not the idea

Yang is acknowledging the facts on the ground re the future of work. It has been known for a long time that the US economy is permitting labor exploitation and our politics of holding up a Protestant work ethic ethos has facilitated that and severe economic disparities. Moving away from it and providing a sort of basic survival stipend is an idea that has merit in my view. There are other things we need to do to make it effective though. For example, a major investment in public transit and schools would help that $1000 go farther. Housing and healthcare investments are also essential. Keep in mind that people are free to work or find ways to earn money beyond the $1000/ month too.
So it's not a simple bandaid. I am reading a book where someone said capitalism is a game and the basics should not be subject to gaming. That is what Yang is trying to begin to address. I think he's onto something. And there are some risks and great potential if it is implemented well.

[BeckyDem]

4. I'm not wrong, from his website:

Andrew proposes funding UBI by consolidating some welfare programs and implementing a Value-Added Tax (VAT) of 10%. Current welfare and social program beneficiaries would be given a choice between their current benefits or $1,000 cash unconditionally – most would prefer cash with no restriction.

The means to pay for a Universal Basic Income will come from 4 sources:

1. Current spending. We currently spend between $500 and $600 billion a year on welfare programs, food stamps, disability and the like. This reduces the cost of Universal Basic Income because people already receiving benefits would have a choice but would be ineligible to receive the full $1,000 in addition to current benefits.

https://www.yang2020.com/what-is-freedom-dividend-faq/

I don't disagree with what you're suggesting, it could possibly work but I will not support what he is suggesting in its present form.

[redqueen]

3. K&R! I love my UNITY candidate!!