by Karl Widerquist | Jun 19, 2014 | Research
Mother and child, John H White, Flickr via Our Kingdom
SUMMARY: According to this article, UK government proposal to 25 hours a week free childcare is to be welcomed. But it fails to get to the core of a sexist economy which relies on care work being done for free 24 hours a day. The author, Fiona Ranford, makes the feminist case for a Basic Income. Fiona Ranford is a feminist activist in London.
Fiona Ranford, “Care work is a 24 hour a day job, Mr Balls, and should be paid as such.” Our Kingdom, September 2013.
by Karl Widerquist | Jun 19, 2014 | Research
This article reacts to Yannick Vanderborght’s presentation at the “Basic Income Summer Forum in Dublin on June 7, 2014.
Ian Maleney, “Basic Income Summer Forum.” Irish Left Review, June 11, 2014.
Yannick Vanderborght’s presentation at the “Basic Income Summer Forum” via the Irish Left Review
by Karl Widerquist | Jun 18, 2014 | Research
ABSTRACT: The paper sets out a proposal for the reform of the income security system in an independent Scotland. It proposes the development of a system where all Scottish citizens would receive a minimum income – Basic Income Security. This is a working paper, we welcome comments, we will produce a final version in partnership with the Scottish Campaign for a Fair Society. In summary the paper argues for:
- Integration of tax and benefits
- Pro-family approach to tax and benefits, supporting families in all their forms
- Simplified tax and benefit calculations (into one set of questions)
- Security by means of universal, non-means-tested, entitlement
- Fair rates of taxation, removing extreme taxes on the poorest
- Human rights, embedded in a new constitution for Scotland
- Public committee to shape core entitlements, open to submission and scrutiny
Simon Duffy and John Dalrymple, “Basic Income Security.” The Centre for Welfare Reform (UK), 2013.
by Josh Martin | Jun 18, 2014 | Research
[Josh Martin]
SUMMARY: Pilkington’s article covers many of his objections to the basic income guarantee (BIG). While he appreciates the buzz the BIG is generating right now, he sees many potential issues including labor shortages and immigration policy dilemmas. Instead, he recommends a Jobs Guarantee program as a replacement for the BIG.
Philip Pilkington, “Money for nothing”, Al Jazeera, 6 June 2014.
Milton Friedman supported a BIG for all Americans. Source: Al Jazeera
by Karl Widerquist | Jun 17, 2014 | Research
SUMMARY: “Giving taxpayers $250 per month, reducing carbon emissions and boosting the economy. This is what the future could hold if the United States imposed a revenue-neutral carbon tax on fossil fuel production.”
Mike Ludwig, “Report: A Carbon Tax That Would Create Jobs, Cut Emissions and Put Money in Your Pocket.” Truthout, 12 June 2014.
More than two dozen major American corporations, including the five oil giants, are preparing to pay climate-related taxes such as The Motiva refinery, pictured here, co-owned by Shell in Port Arthur, Texas, April 2, 2013. (Photo: Michael Stravato / The New York Times via Truthout)
by Karl Widerquist | Jun 17, 2014 | Research
SUMMARY: This article address the question of how difficult it is for most people to pursue entrepreneurial activities. It concludes by arguing for a Universal Basic Income, “If everyone had access to a guaranteed income which would be sufficient to ensure food and rent, then you would empower innumerable people to take the risks necessary to chase their startup dreams, and push forward on them relentlessly until they succeeded, or at least exhausted their own confidence. You would empower the exploration of ideas which may seem crazy, but also might just change the world. … No human has ever made it all on their own. We are a social species, and we depend on each other for everything. Let’s accept that fact and empower as many people as possible, and make the world a better place for everyone.”
Shane Greenup, “Surviving as an entrepreneur.” Shane’s Soapbox, Jun 11, 2014
