by Josh Martin | Jul 15, 2014 | News
In this TED-style talk at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, Josh Martin ’14 of Decorah, Iowa, discusses the current failures of the U.S. welfare state, showing why the system needs significant reform. This leads Martin to suggest the universal basic income as a more than capable alternative. He covers some of the major arguments for the basic income and shares the results of basic income schemes in Namibia, India, and Alaska. Further, he highlights the ideological flexibility of the policy in that politicians from all ideological backgrounds can find reasons to support a basic income.
Lastly, he proposes his own plan for an American basic income. Rolling together the money the U.S. spends on means-tested programs (excluding Medicare and Medicaid), child tax credits, and Social Security, the U.S. could have around $2 trillion to spend on a basic income. This budget could afford a program where all citizens 0-17 receive $2,000 per year, those 18-24 receive $4,000 per year, those 25-64 receive $6,000 per year, and those 65 and up receive $14,000 per year, effectively replacing Social Security. This plan only costs $1.87 trillion and thus would save the U.S. $130 billion by converting to this basic income plan.
Martin will attend the London School of Economics and Political Science this fall for a Masters degree in Social Policy. You can email him at joshedwardmartin@gmail.com.
Josh Martin, “A Basic Answer to Welfare: The Universal Basic Income“, STOTalks, 3 May 2014.
Josh Martin Speaks on the Basic Income at St. Olaf College
by Karl Widerquist | Jun 20, 2014 | Research
PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY: The cuts that are being imposed by central government in the United Kingdom are very unfair because they target the poor and disabled people. However it is not enough to fight the cuts, we also need to think what we are fighting for. The Manifesto for a Fair Society was developed to share 8 key ideas for a fairer society:
1. Human Rights – society and our welfare system needs to be founded upon our human rights.
2. Clear Entitlements – everyone must know what we are entitled to and how to control it.
3. Early Support – we must help each other avoid crises and family breakdown.
4. Equal Access – we need full and equal access to homes, jobs, communities and all opportunities.
5. Choice & Control – everyone should have the freedom to make their own choices and shape their own lives.
6. Fair Incomes – everyone must have the security of a decent minimum income.
7. Fair Taxes – everyone must make a fair contribution, without hidden taxes on the poorest.
8. Financial Reform – our systems must be sustainable and affordable for the future.
The Centre for Welfare Reform “Manifesto for a Fair Society” The Centre for Welfare Reform (UK), 2011.
Manifesto for a Fair Society -The Center for Welfare Reform
by Karl Widerquist | Jun 12, 2014 | Research
Jeremiah Luttrell writes the Common Progress blog which is dedicated “to politically balance progressivism with right-libertarianism in the United States.” In this article, he endorses the name “basic income” but not the policy, opting instead for a work-conditional program, writing “Even though by definition the Basic Income is given unconditionally, we believe it’s strategically wise to include a work requirement or professional development requirement so there’s no disincentive to work.”
Jeremiah Luttrell, “Basic Income in America: Welfare Aid in Direct Cash.” Common Progress, May 20, 2014.
Via Common Progress
by Karl Widerquist | Jun 1, 2014 | Research
Philippe Van Parijs, “L’allocation universelle: solution à la crise de l’Etat-Providence? [Basic Income: solution to the crisis of the welfare state?” propos recuillis par Eugénie Bastié, FigaroVox, 5 May 2014.
Crédits photo : Jean-Christophe MARMARA/Le Figaro
