Why We Need Universal Basic Income Now

An Introduction to UBI and Its Benefits

Hello, I'm Jon Munitz, you may have seen or heard me on Twitter or from my previous media network The People’s Basics, where I shared my thoughts and opinions on universal basics and other topics related to social democracy. I have covered many topics on my substack before, but now I believe it is time to start a series of explainers on universal basic income (UBI) and its potential positive impacts on our future. In this blog post, I will be introducing the concept of UBI, factors as to why I believe we need to push for it as a top priority right now, and why UBI is better than our current approaches to welfare.

What is UBI?

UBI is a simple idea: Cash in every citizen’s pocket every month, for life, no bureaucratic strings attached.

But what does that mean exactly? How much cash are we talking about? Who qualifies as a citizen? And why no strings attached?

Let’s break it down.

Cash

UBI is a cash transfer, not a voucher, a coupon, or a service. Cash is the most flexible and empowering form of assistance, as it allows people to spend it on whatever they need or want, without any restrictions or conditions. Cash also respects people’s dignity and autonomy, as it does not impose any paternalistic or moralistic judgments on how they should live their lives.

Every citizen

UBI is universal, not means-tested or targeted. Universal means that everyone gets the payment, regardless of their income, assets, or other factors. Universal also means that everyone is treated equally and fairly, without any discrimination or exclusion. Universal also means that everyone is included and valued, without any stigma or shame.

Every month

UBI is recurrent, not one-time or sporadic. Recurrent means that people receive the payment on a regular and predictable basis, usually monthly. Recurrent also means that people can rely on the payment as a stable and secure source of income, without any uncertainty or anxiety. Recurrent also means that people can plan and budget for their future, without any fear or stress.

For life

UBI is permanent, not temporary or experimental. Permanent means that people receive the payment for as long as they live, without any expiration or termination. Permanent also means that people can count on the payment as a long-term and sustainable source of income, without any disruption or discontinuity. Permanent also means that people can invest and save for their future, without any risk or loss.

No bureaucratic strings attached

UBI is unconditional, not conditional or contingent. Unconditional means that people receive the payment without having to meet any requirements or obligations, such as work, education, or behavior. Unconditional also means that people receive the payment without having to prove or demonstrate their eligibility or need, such as income, assets, or disability. Unconditional also means that people receive the payment without having to deal with any bureaucracy or hassle, such as paperwork, verification, or monitoring.

UBI is a simple idea, but it has profound implications for individuals and society. UBI is not only a policy, but also a vision, a philosophy, and a movement. UBI is not only a solution, but also a question, a challenge, and an opportunity.

Why do we need UBI now?

We need UBI now because we are living in a time of unprecedented change and challenge, both locally and globally. Here are some of the drivers of the need for UBI:

-Automation:

Technology is advancing rapidly, and replacing many jobs and tasks that humans used to do. This is creating unemployment, underemployment, and income insecurity for millions of people, especially those with low skills or education.

-Globalization:

The world is becoming more interconnected and interdependent, and exposing us to more competition and volatility. This is creating inequality, instability, and uncertainty for millions of people, especially those in developing or vulnerable regions.

-Climate change:

The planet is warming and changing, and affecting our environment and resources. This is creating scarcity, conflict, and disaster for millions of people, especially those in poor or fragile areas.

-Pandemics:

The spread of infectious diseases is becoming more frequent and severe, and threatening our health and well-being. This is creating sickness, suffering, and death for millions of people, especially those with weak or limited access to health care.

-Poverty:

UBI would prevent poverty and crisis by providing people with a basic income that would cover their essential needs and expenses. This would reduce the risk and impact of shocks and emergencies, such as job loss, illness, injury, divorce, natural disaster, or pandemic. UBI would also reduce the stress and anxiety that come with financial insecurity and uncertainty. UBI would improve people’s mental and physical health, and prevent many of the negative outcomes associated with poverty, such as crime, violence, addiction, homelessness, and suicide.

-Rising Hatred:

One of the main drivers of hate, violence, and extremism in our society is economic insecurity. When people are struggling to survive, they become more fearful, angry, and resentful of others who seem to have it better. They are more susceptible to scapegoating, conspiracy theories, and radical ideologies that promise to restore their dignity and power. UBI would reduce this economic anxiety and desperation by providing everyone with a basic level of security and stability. It would foster a sense of solidarity and compassion among people, rather than division and hostility. It would create a more peaceful and tolerant society, where everyone feels valued and respected.

These and other forces are disrupting the economy and society, and creating new challenges and uncertainties for millions of people. Many people are struggling to survive, let alone thrive, in this changing world. Many people are facing poverty, homelessness, hunger, and debt. Many people are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and despair. Many people are feeling hopeless, helpless, and worthless.

UBI can help us cope with these changes and challenges, by giving us a reliable and flexible income that we can use as we see fit. UBI can enable us to pursue education, training, entrepreneurship, or other opportunities that suit our talents and interests. UBI can empower us to make choices that improve our lives and well-being.

The Current Approach Is Inadequate, Inefficient, and Stigmatizing

The current approach to addressing poverty and inequality is based on a patchwork of programs that are often inadequate, inefficient, and stigmatizing. These programs include welfare, unemployment benefits, food stamps, housing assistance, health care subsidies, and others. They are supposed to provide a safety net for those who fall on hard times, and a ladder of opportunity for those who want to climb out of poverty.

However, these programs have many flaws and limitations. They are subject to political whims, budget cuts, and eligibility criteria that exclude many people who need help. They also create perverse incentives and disincentives that discourage work, savings, and education. One of the main drawbacks of the current approach is that it relies on means-testing, which is the process of determining whether someone qualifies for a benefit based on income, assets, or other factors.

Means-testing is not only costly and complex but also unfair and harmful. It creates a lot of bureaucracy and red tape that wastes time and money. It also creates a poverty trap, where people lose their benefits if they earn more income, and thus have no incentive to improve their situation. Means-testing also creates a stigma and shame, where people are treated as undeserving and unworthy of assistance and are subject to scrutiny and judgment. Means-testing is mean, and it should be replaced by a more humane and effective system.

UBI is a Proactive and Preventative Solution

Another problem with the current approach is that it is often reactive, not proactive. It waits until people fall into poverty or crisis, and then tries to help them out of it. This is not only costly but also ineffective and harmful. It creates a cycle of dependency and despair, where people are constantly struggling to catch up and get ahead. It also fails to prevent or mitigate the root causes of poverty and crisis, such as lack of education, health, or opportunity.

UBI would be a proactive and preventive measure, that would give people the resources and support they need before they fall into poverty or crisis. It would create a floor that no one can fall below, and a springboard that everyone can jump from. It would enable people to invest in themselves and their future and to avoid or overcome the traps and pitfalls that keep them down.

UBI Empowers Productivity

One of the biggest myths about UBI is that it would make people lazy and dependent. The opposite is true. UBI would increase people’s motivation and productivity, by freeing them from the fear of losing their income if they quit or lose their job. For example, a study in Finland found that UBI recipients were more likely to find employment than those on traditional welfare.

UBI would also enable people to refuse exploitative or abusive work and to pursue more meaningful or fulfilling work. For example, a study in Kenya found that UBI recipients were more likely to start their businesses or engage in creative activities than those without UBI.

UBI would also recognize and reward the unpaid or underpaid work that many people do, such as caregiving, volunteering, or creative work. For example, a study in Canada found that UBI recipients were more likely to spend time on education, health, and family than those without UBI.

UBI would not replace work, but rather enhance and dignify it.

UBI Empowers People to Invest in Themselves

UBI would empower people to invest in themselves and their future by giving them more choices and opportunities. UBI would enable people to pursue their passions and talents, learn new skills and knowledge, start new businesses and projects, volunteer and contribute to their communities, and care for themselves and their loved ones. UBI would also encourage people to work smarter and better, not harder and longer, by allowing them to choose the type, amount, and quality of work that suits them best. UBI would enhance people’s productivity, creativity, and satisfaction.

UBI Avoids the Traps and Pitfalls of the Current Approach

UBI would avoid the traps and pitfalls of the current approach by eliminating the need for means-testing and its negative consequences. UBI would not create a poverty trap, where people lose their benefits if they earn more income, and thus have no incentive to improve their situation. UBI would not create a bureaucracy trap, where people have to deal with a lot of paperwork and hassle to access their benefits, and thus waste time and money. UBI would not create a stigma trap, where people are treated as undeserving and unworthy of assistance, and thus feel shame and guilt. UBI would not create a dependency trap, where people rely on external help and lose their autonomy and agency. UBI would not create a work trap, where people are forced to work in low-quality and low-paying jobs that they do not enjoy or value, and thus lose their motivation and meaning.

UBI is a Trickle Up Solution

Another myth about UBI is that it would be too expensive and unsustainable. The truth is that UBI would be a smart and fair way to distribute the wealth and prosperity that we all contribute to and deserve. UBI would not be a handout, but rather a dividend, a share of the commonwealth that belongs to all of us. UBI would not be a drain on the economy, but rather a boost, a stimulus that would increase demand, consumption, and growth. UBI would not be a zero-sum game, but rather a positive-sum game, a win-win for everyone.

UBI would not be a trickle-down policy, that benefits the few at the expense of the many, but rather a trickle-up policy, that benefits the many and lifts the whole. UBI would not only help the poor and the middle class but also the rich and the powerful. UBI would create a more dynamic and inclusive economy, where everyone has a stake and a voice. UBI would create a more harmonious and cooperative society, where everyone has a sense of belonging and responsibility. UBI would create a more peaceful and stable world, where everyone has a chance and hope.

Conclusion

UBI is not a utopian or unrealistic idea. It is a sensible, humane, and effective policy that we can and should implement as soon as possible. UBI is not only a solution to many of the problems we face today, but also a vision for a better future for all of us. UBI is not only a matter of economics or politics, but also a matter of ethics and values. UBI is not only a policy but also a movement, a community, and a cause. UBI is not only an idea but also a reality, a possibility, a hope.

If you agree with me, or if you want to learn more, I invite you to join me and millions of others who support UBI. You can follow me on Twitter, where I share more information and insights on UBI and other related topics. You can also visit the websites of some of the organizations and initiatives that promote and advocate for UBI, such as:

- Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN): https://basicincome.org/

- Universal Income Project: https://www.universalincome.org/

- Humanity Forward: https://movehumanityforward.com/

- Income Movement: https://www.incomemovement.com/

Together, we can make UBI a reality, and create a better world for ourselves and our children. Next time we will be diving deeper into the evidence and examples of Universal Basic Income. Thank you for reading, and remember: UBI is for you, me, and everyone.