by Peter Knight | Apr 16, 2025 | News
June 17 – June 18
2 Days in Washington DC
Join the basic income community in June as we come together in Washington DC to chart the course for the critical next wave of our movement. Together, we will develop and coordinate the strategies and processes needed to meet the challenges we face with new political leadership and changes to the policy and funding landscape. Join Us
The Basic Income Guarantee Conference (BIG!) is the only annual conference in the U.S. focused on all things basic income. In June, 2025 we will be celebrating our 23rd event, which will include collaborative sessions, panel discussions, interactive activities and more, as we dig deep into the most critical issues we face as a society, and a movement. Join Us
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by Peter Knight | Mar 31, 2025 | News
The first of its kind in the nation, Santa Fe LEAP provided a monthly guaranteed income of $400 per month, for one year, to 100 Santa Fe, New Mexico, Community College students who were age 30 or under, the primary caretaker to at least one child, and with an income of less than 200% of the federal poverty line.
Read more.
by Peter Knight | Mar 26, 2025 | News
As of March 26 the BIEN 2025 organizing committee has received 236 submissions (across all categories) and 317 participant registrations. Last-minute submissions will be accepted for a few more days.
by Peter Knight | Mar 17, 2025 | News
Photo by aboodi vesakaran on Unsplash
“President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi announced the Royalties for Everyone program, aiming to grant Surinamese citizens US$750 from future oil royalties with a 7% annual interest. The initiative seeks to ensure direct benefits from natural resources, enhance local financial engagement, and promote economic development ahead of the anticipated oil sales from Block 58, with implementation scheduled for 2025.
In a significant policy announcement, President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi declared the launch of the Royalties for Everyone (RVI) program that will allocate an oil royalty of US$750 to each citizen of Suriname, with an annual interest of seven percent. The payment is to be derived from future royalties after oil from offshore Block 58 is sold. This financial instrument aims to foster economic opportunities and promote a more equitable distribution of national wealth among the population. The RVI is pegged to the US dollar to ensure stability, with distributions to be made in Surinamese dollars. Special arrangements will also be made for elderly citizens and individuals with disabilities to access their funds before 2028.”
To read the full article click here
by Peter Knight | Mar 17, 2025 | News
Photo by Adam Gethin on Unsplash
“President Irfaan Ali’s recent announcement of a $200,000 one-off cash grant to every household across Guyana comes during unprecedented economic growth fueled by the country’s expanding oil sector. The proposal is bold, offering immediate relief to families during a moment of rapid economic change. Yet, while the policy provides short-term financial respite, it raises critical questions about long-term economic security and sustainability, especially when considering a Universal Basic Income (UBI) framework.
As we reflect on this proposal, the broader implications of Guyana’s oil-driven transformation come into focus. How can Guyana ensure its oil wealth benefits all citizens, not just a select few? We explore the prospects and challenges of the one-off cash grant policy, examining how it aligns with—or diverges from—a true UBI system. We also consider some alternative approaches to address economic inequality, with lessons drawn from expert discussions in Transforming Guyana and reflections from recent commentaries.”
To read the full article, click here.
