THE SOCIAL DEBATE
Welfare cuts have fuelled rise of far right and populism, top UN expert says
Exclusive: Poverty rapporteur says governments must rethink welfare state as essential to fabric of society
There are more Americans out of work than there are jobs open for the first time since April 2021
The latest JOLTS report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the ratio of job vacancies to unemployed workers fell below 1 to 0.99 in July, the lowest since April 2021, when the ratio was 0.96.
Yes, Cash Transfers Work.
By Annie Lowrey Read original post here: https://archive.ph/vegfb In 2023, the United States produced $28 trillion worth of goods and
‘Historic’: how Mexico’s welfare policies helped 13.4 million people out of poverty
Experts are enthusiastic about poverty reductions achieved under former Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador
How AI is starting to reshape the workforce
Company executives are talking openly about headcount reductions, and the jobs numbers are beginning to show the effects.
AI Is Taking Jobs: Could Universal Basic Income Become a Reality?
Artificial intelligence—a productivity-maximizing tool to some and an untamable threat to others—has asked similar questions of the social contract in the 21st century, and the optimists appear to be winning the day.
Thailand Announces Intention to Implement a Negative Income Tax in 2027
The Finance Ministry will require nearly all Thai citizens to file tax forms starting in 2027 to implement the so-called negative income tax system, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.
Malaysia opens door to UBI with fully universal cash payment
Malaysia’s recent announcement of a one-off RM100 cash aid to every adult citizen is not just a populist gesture—it could be the foundation of a historic policy shift that positions the country as a global pioneer in welfare reform.
How to Undo the Worst Damage of the Big Beautiful Bill
The best way for the government to foster financial well-being is by changing the existing safety net to get more cash in the hands of low- and moderate-income households.
Report calls for minimum income guarantee pilot in Scotland
A minimum income guarantee could be piloted in Scotland following next year’s Holyrood elections.
Is Windsor-Essex ready for a guaranteed basic income? This senator says it’s time
In late May, Sen. Kim Pate introduced Bill S-206, which calls upon the federal government to develop a financial framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income.
Another SRD grant extension planned amid basic income grant delays in South Africa
Consultations and workshops are holding up a basic income grant in South Africa.
Community Organizations Buck Big Money Lobbyists’ Attempt to Ban Guaranteed Basic Income
In a huge win for families across the state, a bill to ban guaranteed income failed to pass the Texas Legislature.
New book outlines why Basic Income could be the solution to poverty and inequality
Public policy experts at Northumbria University, whose research focuses on welfare reform as a means of tackling poverty and inequality, are preparing for the publication of a new book which examines the case for the introduction of a Basic Income.
Opinion: Is Connecticut ready for Universal Basic Income?
While the world burns around us, maybe we can provide for residents a modicum of stability.
State lawmakers launch group to spur ‘guaranteed income’ cash to residents
More than 20 lawmakers want to see states play a larger role in the programs meant to fight poverty.
Bill banning Harris County’s basic income program passes Texas Senate
Uplift Harris was intended to provide direct financial assistance to up to 1,500 families living at 200% below the poverty line, according to an overview document published by Precinct 1.
Trump’s New Plan for Acquiring Greenland Is UBI for Its Residents—on Americans’ Dime
The White House has a plan that sounds strikingly similar to a universal basic income scheme, or UBI.
Universal Basic Income Could Slash UK Benefit Costs and Boost Economy, Studies Show
Advocates argue that a well-designed UBI would streamline welfare payments, lift millions out of poverty, and increase financial security for workers—ultimately benefiting the broader economy.
New research will examine the use of welfare reform to tackle health inequalities
Members of a multidisciplinary team of researchers are beginning a two-year study to examine the case for transformative welfare policy and the impact on public health outcomes.
Independent Candidate For Parliament in Germany Runs on Universal Basic Income as a Human Right to Exist
Many independent candidates are running in the federal election, although they have little chance of making it in the German parliament.
New Brunswick poverty reduction plan stops short of universal income support
The threat of a recession has prompted renewed calls for some kind of income support from labour and social justice groups.
A basic income can be a strong investment in mental health
Over half of Canadians feel “financially paralyzed” by the cost-of-living crisis, according to a recent poll. As life becomes more unaffordable for more people, we need governments to create policies that will improve public health and well-being.
Guaranteeing basic income in Canada could cut poverty by 40% and cost only $3.6 billion: PBO
The PBO analysis says the number of hours worked by guaranteed income recipients could drop slightly — up to 1.4 per cent.
Elon Musk weighs $5k ‘dividends’ for Americans with DOGE savings he has yet to prove
Musk is already hinting at sharing Doge savings while nation is still massively in debt with Republicans planning a huge tax cut
Kansas City doesn’t have enough jobs available for all the federal workers getting laid off
Federal workers in Kansas City whose jobs were eliminated under the Trump administration’s massive budget cuts will have a hard time finding comparable work in the area. Instability in the city’s workforce could lead to a recession.
Gould promises to open ‘path’ to a basic income in Canada
In 2021, the parliamentary budget officer published an analysis suggesting it would cost $85 billion to provide $17,000 to low-income Canadian families and would cut poverty rates in half.
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.
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.
Leaked ANC document calls for basic income grant in South Africa in 2025
According to a leaked document from its January 2025 lekgotla, the ANC supports phasing in a basic income grant (BIG) this year.