I just want to point out that it’s not “universal basic income” if it’s not universal. Yes, we all know that some people are going to be paying $250k per year in taxes and getting $10k in UBI, but research has shown that support for a program is stronger if everyone has access to it, that administrative expenses add significantly to the cost of the program without adding value to the participants (and in fact putting an additional burden for paperwork etc on them), and as a result they’re more likely to be decreased or cut. Most of these (with the exception of Alaska) aren’t UBIs, but rather need-based supplemental income (SI) programs.
I’m not against SI programs at all. Unless and until we figure out UBI (which means both technological and social advances), SI can help people through rough patches and rough lives.
The reason why people are interested in UBI (at least some people) is that we’re watching productivity explode but we’re not seeing worked hours go down or salaries go up (except at the highest levels). UBI is the recognition (and the hope) that we will transfer into a post-scarcity society.
I think the first step will be the 32 hour workweek, where we move from two to three days off at the same wage levels, and build from there. I’m still supportive of the SI programs, but UBI is a social transformation and reorientation, not just helping people pay rent.
I just want to point out that it’s not “universal basic income” if it’s not universal. Yes, we all know that some people are going to be paying $250k per year in taxes and getting $10k in UBI, but research has shown that support for a program is stronger if everyone has access to it, that administrative expenses add significantly to the cost of the program without adding value to the participants (and in fact putting an additional burden for paperwork etc on them), and as a result they’re more likely to be decreased or cut. Most of these (with the exception of Alaska) aren’t UBIs, but rather need-based supplemental income (SI) programs.
I’m not against SI programs at all. Unless and until we figure out UBI (which means both technological and social advances), SI can help people through rough patches and rough lives.
The reason why people are interested in UBI (at least some people) is that we’re watching productivity explode but we’re not seeing worked hours go down or salaries go up (except at the highest levels). UBI is the recognition (and the hope) that we will transfer into a post-scarcity society.
I think the first step will be the 32 hour workweek, where we move from two to three days off at the same wage levels, and build from there. I’m still supportive of the SI programs, but UBI is a social transformation and reorientation, not just helping people pay rent.