MONEY | BASIC INCOME | UBI | POVERTY RELIEF
The Surprising Growing Appeal of Universal Basic Income in the U.S.
How it could help many — including freelancers and other gig economy workers
Universal basic income (UBI) is a basic concept: A government gives citizens money on a regular basis to help them pay for shelter, clothing, and food for themselves and their dependents. It’s also complex, however, in its possible applications and potential pros and cons — especially since it resurrects age-old, often racially charged, arguments against welfare and other forms of public assistance.
Yet, UBI is growing in popularity not only among progressive Democrats in the U.S. but among Republicans. To understand why — and consider whether UBI is something that may become a reality in the U.S. in the near future — it helps to start with the very basics of basic income.
Basic Income Lab at Stanford
Established in 2017, the Basic Income Lab at Stanford University provides a helpful resource for those who may not have a background in economics but still want to understand how basic income works. According to the Basic Income Lab website, basic income is:
- Periodic (paid in monthly or other…
