Scott Santens
Editor of Basic Income Today
EDITOR’S PICKS
Food banks were never supposed to be permanent, CEO says
Conceived as a stopgap measure to address unmet needs in some communities, food banks were first implemented on a large scale in Canada in the 1980s.
Latest Articles
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.
Universal programs are much easier to administer than means-tested ones
Universal programs are much easier to administer than means-tested ones.
Income Inequality
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.”
The Millionaires Who Want To Pay More Taxes
Despite being (very) rich, conscientious millionaires and billionaires are calling for much higher wealth taxes to combat the rising inequality they see as a threat to democracy.
Pilots & Experiments
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.
Homeless families to receive $1,000 a month from Google and San Francisco nonprofits
Some recently homeless families in San Francisco will soon receive $1,000 every month as part of a new program funded in part by a $4.5 million investment from Google’s nonprofit arm.
Payments under revamped Harris County guaranteed income program halted pending Paxton’s appeal
The modified program would provide nearly 2,000 families living below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, who were already selected for the program, with $500 monthly payments through preloaded debit cards. Payments under the revised program were set to start going out in January.
The Social Debate
Opinion: We all deserve more money. Let me prove why it’s time for universal basic income
A universal basic income policy is simple yet transformative, writes Zack Polanski, deputy leader of the Green Party of England and Wales
Volunteers providing meals in eastern P.E.I. renew call for basic income guarantee
‘A good, solid basic income policy needs to be looked at strongly in Canada’
Opinion: What “Universal Basic Guys” gets wrong about basic income – and why it matters
Narratives can inspire hope, spark change or, as in the case of Fox’s new animated series “Universal Basic Guys” (now streaming on Hulu) reduce transformative ideas to shallow stereotypes.
Success Stories
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?
‘We can’t believe you would just trust us’: why social assistance shouldn’t come with strings attached
Evidence from many countries shows that the administrative practices associated with conditions have a tendency towards discrimination and dehumanisation.
Housing those in need through a basic income
It has been shown to be an effective and immediate tool in reducing homelessness.
The Basics of UBI
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.
Is universal basic income about to transform society?
The concept of a guaranteed income is gaining traction as a solution to the impact of AI and way to encourage more rewarding and socially valuable work
Exploring Universal Basic Income and Its Implementation
In recent years, economic inequality has increased along with housing costs, inflation and mass layoffs, all of which have significantly impacted the economic well-being of individuals worldwide.
Workforce Automation
‘Virtual employees’ could join workforce as soon as this year, OpenAI boss says
Sam Altman says tools that carry out jobs autonomously, known as AI agents, could transform business output.
Opinion: Why wait until the robots take our jobs? We need a basic income now
AI and tech developments are already pushing people into more precarious work, but UBI could cushion the transition
Vinod Khosla says universal basic income may be needed as AI takes over jobs and drives wealth disparity
Investor Vinod Khosla said universal basic income might be necessary as artificial intelligence takes on more of the work humans do.