What about a guaranteed income floor for everybody, with no work requirement tied to it?  If this sounds like pie in the sky when you die, think again. The Canadian province of Ontario already has a guaranteed basic income pilot project, and the national Green Party and most recently the Dekalb County Green Party hosted a presentation on the idea at their monthly meeting.

Here’s what you need to know about Universal Basic Income in Georgia (UBIG)

 

At a time when jobs are disappearing both through automation, outsourcing and worker exploitation (demanding one worker do the work of two), it is necessary to look for alternatives to “business as usual”.

The concept of “Basic Income” is centuries old, however it’s opponents continue to use old arguments that have been disproven to keep it from catching on.  UBIG INC.ORG is taking on that problem by organizing Basic Income Activists to spread their fresh approach to getting the word out.

The idea is, that all individuals receive a cash payment which does not require means-testing or have a work requirement. The benefits are numerous and significant. It provides an economic floor that supports people in transition, retirees as well as newly graduated worker.

It relieves social tension within families due to illness, job loss or other life changing circumstances.

It would provide relief and the possibility that a person could go to school, develop their talents, care for someone, or start a business.

Income security can contribute to less violence, crime and drug use. Improved relationships, improve working lives and a more creative and happy society.

There are many proposed ways for paying for Basic Income, for example cutting corporate welfare or taxing corporations that outsource or replace workers with automation. The possibilities are many.  Elon Musk has stated that Basic Income will become inevitable in the future, because of automation.

Recently countries like Finland, and Netherlands. Ontario, Canada’s largest province plans to soon launch a basic income pilot program in Hamilton.

First nations people in the United States already receive Basic Income from state revenues from the sale of natural resources, as do citizens in other countries.

In Georgia, UBIG has a very precise approach, providing Basic Income but also counseling for recipients to help them manage their money and realize their dreams.

But the process of educating an over-worked, insecure population is not easy.

UBIG has solved that problem by conducting a social experiment in Georgia.

UBIG will provide $1000 a month for a year, for 100 individuals chosen by the public.

To enter Georgia resident need fill out a survey which asks, what would you do if you had an extra $1000 per month?

The genius of this is that everyone who enters has a chance to win – why wouldn’t you want to share this with your friends and family.

Once the public is made aware of what Basic Income is, and is not, the chances go up significantly that it will be passed into law in the State of Georgia.

There is precedence for this in Georgia. Medical marijuana was once totally written off in the state, yet became law within only four years.

For all these reasons the Dekalb County Greens have begun educating their members about UBIG. Think about it.  Better yet, do something.

For more information go to WWW.UBIGINC.ORG.

The Green Party is the only US political party that stands for a Universal Basic Income.  Consider joining the Georgia Green Party, the only party that fights for you, at our minimum dues level of only $10 per month. Click here to make that happen.

The Platform of the Green Party of the United States includes:

IV. Economic Justice & Sustainability

D. Livable Income

We affirm the importance of access to a livable income.

1.  We call for a universal basic income (sometimes called a guaranteed income, negative income tax, citizen’s income, or citizen dividend). This would go to every adult regardless of health, employment, or marital status, in order to minimize government bureaucracy and intrusiveness into people’s lives. The amount should be sufficient so that anyone who is unemployed can afford basic food and shelter. State or local governments should supplement that amount from local revenues where the cost of living is high.