Last updated on: 12/18/2019 12:29:01 PM PST
Should the US Implement a Universal Basic Income (UBI)?
Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a cash payment given at regular intervals by the government to all residents, regardless of their earnings or employment status. Proponents of UBI say that it reduces poverty and income inequality, encourages employment and skills training, and values normally unpaid roles such as homemakers and caregivers. They also say it improves the health of recipients and empowers women. Opponents of UBI say that it does not reduce poverty, that it deprives the poor of needed targeted support, provides a disincentive to work, and weakens the economy. They also say it is unaffordable and less effective than targeted aid and welfare. Read more about the top pros and cons of UBI.
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Con (No)
Con
"I noted that some in Silicon Valley whose fortunes are built on automation have proposed a universal basic income on the theory that there will no longer be enough work to go around. But that misses the point. Americans have always defined themselves by what they do and how they provide for their families. What the idea of a universal basic income misses is that a job is about more than a paycheck. It is about dignity and one's place in their community. What Americans want is a good job and a steady paycheck, not a government check or a consolation prize for missing out on the American dream.
The American people are willing to work and when they work they're entitled to be justly rewarded. That's the American promise."
Source: Joe Biden, "A Plan to Put Work - And Workers - First," bidenschool.udel.edu (accessed Nov. 25, 2019)
Con
"The income guarantee we will enact is often called the Negative Income Tax (NIT). We prefer it to the Universal Basic Income (UBI) because it targets the benefits to those who need it, provides a sufficient benefit to end poverty, and costs a fraction of a UBI."
Source: Howie Hawkins, "The Bill of Economic Rights," howiehawkins.us (accessed June 24, 2020)
Con
"No. UBI will create disincentives to work and is the wrong approach to addressing those in need.
Government anti-poverty programs don’t work. The real cure for poverty is a vibrant economy that generates plentiful jobs and high wages, combined with an affordable cost of living.
As President, I will work to eliminate policies that cripple economic growth. I will give special attention to regulations driving up the cost of housing and health care, as well as those creating barriers to creating new businesses or entering professions.
Finally, I will work to repeal laws and regulations that prevent individuals and charitable organizations from helping those in need, including free healthcare clinics."
Source: Communication from the Jorgensen campaign to ProCon.org on Aug. 26, 2020
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None Found
No position found as of Dec. 10, 2019
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