The Reality of Universal Basic Income

Published: October 23, 2019

The Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a proposed government program that would provide an annual cash benefit to all Americans above a certain age. However, any method of implementing a UBI would be prohibitively costly, especially if it were added on top of the existing social safety net. And replacing all other government programs with a UBI would cut benefits for many poor and elderly Americans. Ultimately, the UBI would fail to accomplish its intended outcomes.

Discussion Questions

  1. Can Universal Basic Income reduce inequality?
  2. Can basic income hurt the economy and lead to lower productivity?

Additional Resources

  • Read “The Case Against a Basic Income Guarantee” by David Henderson, available here.
  • Read “Universal Basic Income, In Perspective” by David R. Henderson, available here.

Cast

David R. Henderson

David R. Henderson

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