this post was submitted on 09 Jan 2024
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I've always wanted UBI to be a thing but after a discussion with my brother I'm second guessing it. His argument is that corporations will just increase their prices and not much would change.
He suggested that instead, we use the money that we would use for UBI to guarantee that EVERYONE'S basic needs are met. Housing, food, healthcare, etc..
I know it's easier said than done but I'm just worried that billionaires will fuck up UBI like they fuck up everything else.
As one implementation of that, a UBI can simplify the complexities of the existing safety net systems and smooth the welfare cliff.
I no longer need to pay for low income housing (I can just get some money and rent something), I'm no longer restricted by what an EBT card can buy (I just get money), I don't need to qualify for XYZ niche benefit (I just get some money), etc. And that money could more easily be adjusted/reduced as my income grows which smooths the welfare cliff.
It also frees up a ton of money that was previously used to manage the existing complex systems and allows more efficient spending.
It's important to note that UBI isn't supposed to be a form of welfare. The idea is it's a basic citizen right. It's not means tested in any way so you should get it regardless of your income otherwise you're disincentivised to increase your income (which is a problem a lot of benefits currently have), if I go to work for 8 hours a day and then come home and have the exact same or less money than I would have had on benefits then what's the point? The government, mostly the conservative types, would like to classify that as lazy scrounging but it's just economic savvy.
If I get UBI whatever then any extra money I earn is for luxuries, I can then spend that money and contribute to the economy rather than holding on to it in case the boiler decides to blow up all the car breaks down or something which is what most people are currently doing.
Everyone benefits when everyone benefits.
I completely agree and (hopefully) understand that. I only mention it as welfare because I believe that's harder to argue against and at least gets us most of the way there.
As for working 8 hours and still making the same as you would on benefits, I see this issue today constantly in the current (US) system. Especially around people with disabilities who would otherwise be able to work.
UBI is the ideal, but replacing the complex welfare system with something cash based (similar to UBI, or exactly as UBI for certain demographics) would be a great first step.