Scott Santens
Editor of Basic Income Today
EDITOR’S PICKS
How Does Basic Income Impact Artists’ Lives?
A report by Creatives Rebuild New York finds that recipients of its $1,000 monthly payment program saw increased financial stability and individual well-being.
Latest Articles
Aisha Nyandoro Showed America What Happens When You Give Mothers Cash
Money—the type that can be spent on anything—has been out of favor as a method of helping impoverished Americans.
Germany to vote on big universal basic income experiment
In support of a basic income pilot project 95,000 signatures were collected. The referendum could take place parallel to the German federal election.
Unconditional monthly cash improves lives in South Africa, study finds
The Unconditional Cash Transfer Project gives monthly cash transfers to 100 unemployed graduates
Income Inequality
Pope Francis says “without love, we are nothing” and Calls for a Universal Basic Income at World Meeting of Popular Movements
The Pope expressed hope that economically powerful individuals would come out of isolation, “reject the false security of money, and embrace the sharing of goods,” which he described as having a universal destiny, stemming from Creation itself.
A landmark book revealed the cost of inequality. Fifteen years later, things have only gotten worse.
Labour should be emboldened by the popularity of policies aimed at breaking down inequality: now’s the time for ambition
The economy’s big split: Poor consumers feel slowdown, rich ones don’t
Richer consumers may have escaped some of the worst effects of the inflation shock and Fed tightening, particularly as financial assets soar in value.
Pilots & Experiments
Sacramento approves new guaranteed basic income program for foster youth funded by taxing cannabis
Sacramento has roughly 1,000 foster youth. This program would create a guaranteed income every month, helping children survive as they age out of foster homes.
Basic Income for the Arts in Ireland Funded Beyond the End of the 3-Year Pilot
Funding of €35m for the Basic Income for the Arts pilot also announced.
Ken Paxton sues again to block Harris County’s latest guaranteed income program
The Texas Constitution expressly prohibits giving away public funds to benefit individuals — a common sense protection to prevent cronyism and ensure that public funds benefit all citizens
The Social Debate
Oregon businesses are spending millions to oppose a ballot measure that would give every resident a $1,600-a-year basic income
Businesses have spent millions to oppose the 3% tax on corporate sales over $25 million.
NDP’s push for basic income in Canada thwarted at second reading
An NDP attempt to push through universal basic income was short-lived after a majority of MPs voted against a bill to push through the initiative during its second reading.
Advocates Form the New York State Cash Alliance to Champion a Guaranteed Income in New York
Today, Creatives Rebuild New York — in partnership with Win, Children’s Defense Fund-New York, and other advocates — announced the formation of the New York State Cash Alliance.
Success Stories
The basic income myth: cash discourages work
Experts say basic income can help participants afford job training and land higher-paying roles.
The director of Sam Altman’s basic income study says one of the most interesting results was an increased interest in starting a business
What happens when you give people $1,000 a month? They start thinking about launching a business.
These Coloradans experiencing homelessness were given different sums of money – no strings attached. Here’s what happened
“It’s based on the mindset,” he said. “It’s not how little I’m getting, but what I do with what I have.”
The Basics of UBI
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.
The Deep and Enduring History of Universal Basic Income
While the concept stretches back centuries, it has garnered significant attention in recent decades.
Workforce Automation
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.
AI risks destroying jobs. Tech leaders think they have the answer.
Some tech leaders are advocating for universal basic income to counteract AI-driven job automation.