Scott Santens
Editor of Basic Income Today
EDITOR’S PICKS
Daniel Hemel’s new course at NYU Law gives student practical insights into using guaranteed basic income to tackle poverty
In this Q&A, Hemel assesses the current state of basic income programs, considers what critics get right and wrong about UBI, and shares what he hopes that his upcoming course will accomplish.
Latest Articles
Inside the plan to give free cash to homeless people in Manchester: ‘It’s time to try something new’
Academics and campaigners have proposed a new basic income for Greater Manchester after mayor Andy Burnham vowed to introduce one in the city region
Proposal launched for groundbreaking Basic Income pilot in Greater Manchester
A new pilot proposal has been launched for a groundbreaking scheme which experts say could eventually end absolute poverty in Greater Manchester, as well as improve the health and wellbeing of millions of people.
UBI Taiwan’s single-parent basic income reaches a new ‘milestone’
UBI Taiwan hosted a press conference to spotlight the progress of its basic income pilot program for single-parent households.
Income Inequality
Wealth inequality risks triggering ‘societal collapse’ within next decade, report finds
Growing wealth inequality in the UK could be a “major driver of societal collapse” within the next decade, according to a new report.
Why Income Inequality in America Is Hurting Collective Happiness
The people who would benefit the least from additional dollars have gained the most, while the people who would benefit the most from additional dollars have gained almost nothing.
We have extreme inequality in America, and it’s getting worse
“growing inequality breeds social resentment and generates political instability. It also fuels populist, protectionist, and anti-globalization sentiments.”
Pilots & Experiments
Women to get $20,000 each from new-mom program investing $10M in Appalachia
A New York-based initiative called The Bridge Project that gives no-strings-attached cash to pregnant women is expanding to Appalachia, promising a $10 million investment for families in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio over the next three years.
Port Moody calls on province to trial universal basic income in its poverty plan
The motion contended the province’s current poverty reduction strategy lacks concrete plans to reach its lofty targets.
Bangladesh is considering testing out universal basic income
Universal here does not mean everyone in the society, but it refers to everyone who qualifies for it, irrespective of all other social assistance they receive.
The Social Debate
Opinion | A stronger Canada starts with economic security for all
We need to ensure all Canadians have the economic security to feel like this country is a home worth fighting for, or the same disgruntled forces that brought Trump into office in the U.S. will surely rip apart the fabric of the Canadian dream, Tom Cooper writes.
Trump is making plans for a sovereign wealth fund. Alaska already has one, and it’s funding a universal basic income.
The Alaska Permanent Fund, which distributes money to Alaska residents annually, could be a model. Challenges include funding sources, legislative hurdles, and state-owned natural resources.
Alternatives North releases basic income guarantee proposal
Alternatives North is advocating for the NWT government to introduce a basic income guarantee program, which it says could eliminate poverty.
Success Stories
Over the past half-decade, guaranteed basic income programs have improved lives around the country. Now they’re under political attack.
How to Save a Saving Grace? Guaranteed income programs specifically target people from socioeconomic backgrounds more likely to experience poverty and homelessness.
Revolutionize social assistance by learning to trust
Welfare almost always comes with strings attached. Imagine what would happen if it didn’t.
Tuberculosis rates plunge when families living in poverty get a monthly cash payout
What if the best medicine isn’t a pill or vaccine — but it’s cold cash?
The Basics of UBI
The Freedom From Want and Basic Income
Human beings are not game pieces. We are not theoretical abstractions. We are animals. And like all animals we have needs that must be met or we will suffer greatly and die.
Universal basic income: ‘The power to say no and the freedom to say yes’
Scott Santens is the founder and CEO of the U.S.-based Income to Support All (ITSA) Foundation, and has been researching and advocating for Universal Basic Income (UBI) since 2013.
Study Universal Basic Income at the University of Sydney
In 2025, the the School of Social and Political Sciences (SSPS) at the University of Sydney will offer the first unit of study focused on Universal Basic Income (UBI) to be taught at a university in Australasia.
Workforce Automation
Top AI Investor Says Goal is to Crash Human Wages
American billionaire investor casually proclaimed that AI must “crash” everyone’s wages before it can deliver us an economic utopia.
The UK plans to ‘unleash AI” to boost growth
The AI Opportunities Action Plan includes growth zones where development will be focused, and the technology will be used to help tackle issues such as potholes.
41% of Employers Worldwide Say They’ll Reduce Staff by 2030 Due to AI
Bosses expect some big disruptions from tech 2025-2030.