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Smart people are calling for universal basic income (UBI) in response to economic disruptions wrought by COVID-19.
UBI will serve as an economic floor to help a huge swath of society pay bills, buy groceries, and most importantly as a necessary cash infusion so families and individuals can afford to shelter in place in order to “flatten the curve” of infections coming from the now, endemic sars-cov-2.
What is Universal Basic Income?
Calls for UBI in response to COVID-19:
Below is a list of calls for UBI from prominent scholars, politicians, news outlets including opinion, and more.
This article is being updated with new UBI endorsements as they’re made.
Myself and 500 other academics and public figures are calling for #EmergencyUBI https://t.co/feP3df9pyp
— Neil Howard (@NeilPHoward) March 18, 2020
In Australia, 6 million Australians will get an immediate $750 in #coronavirus stimulus checks. Nation after nation is doing the right thing by getting cash immediately into the hands of their citizens. We need to do the same. Call your reps! #UBIStimulushttps://t.co/pwcoSuWCFo pic.twitter.com/gwvXyLcoEK
— Scott Santens🧢🏄♂️ (@scottsantens) March 12, 2020
14 countries have so far used some form of #castransfer and #basicincome program as #coronavirus response.
— Ugo Gentilini (@Ugentilini) March 15, 2020
Here is what we know:
1. #Australia: one-time cash payment $750 to seniors, veterans and low-income people
We need an emergency basic income, and we need it now. In 2008 we bailed out the banks, now we need to bail out the people. Read (and share) the basic income chapter – written seven years ago – from my book for free –> https://t.co/RP8sLoradY
— Rutger Bregman (@rcbregman) March 25, 2020
The need for social distancing from restaurants only underscores the need for relief for tipped workers, freelancers, shift workers, etc.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 14, 2020
Tax credits & unemployment insurance does not help many of these workers – that’s a huge segment of our economy.
We need emergency UBI, now.
Greetings @AndrewYang! On October 25, 2018, we interviewed you and you made a case for universal basic income (UBI). You said a value-added tax system instead of the current income-based one would fund it. With Covid-19 decimating jobs, is it time for UBI: https://t.co/P0V0G1hRkX
— Atul Singh (@atulabhas) March 29, 2020
Featured article in the East Bay Times about @fundforhumanity and UBI https://t.co/y1Zv1eNZEf. Please share with your networks.
— Gerald Huff Fund For Humanity (@FundForHumanity) March 29, 2020
It’s so clear now that we need #PermanentUBI so we don’t need emergency stimulus deals every time there is a crisis…and there will be more crises #YangWasRight @AndrewYang @scottsantens
— Jason Starr 🧢 (@JasonStarrBooks) March 25, 2020
So I've now put the rejected piece up on Coppola Comment. When is the right time for UBI and helicopter money? https://t.co/iBkYvobcaB
— (((Frances *Cassandra* Coppola)))🕷️ (@Frances_Coppola) March 27, 2020
Please do tell me if you think it has "missed its moment". I'm still seething about this. pic.twitter.com/QGyFWKnwyQ
The world is going to have to change as a result of the massive economic hit that Covid-19 is causing. Some things needful: Excuse poor-country debt. Universal basic income. End tax havens. Full-on global initiatives on climate & disease. In UK: electoral reform & stop Brexit.
— A C Grayling #FBPE 3.5% #Reform #Rejoin🐟 (@acgrayling) March 26, 2020
You know what would have helped before the crisis, during the crisis and after the crisis? Universal Basic Income.
— Andrew Yang🧢🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) March 28, 2020
Another demonstration of the catastrofuck that is the government’s handling of this crisis: being told you’re 76,628th in a queue for Universal Credit.
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) March 25, 2020
We need Universal Basic Income now or people will starve. https://t.co/RygSDiUIuB
Just introduce a Universal Basic Income now. I bet you anything it would be a lot more effective as stimulus and a lot easier to manage. https://t.co/owdFP3Zacb
— Richard Seymour (@leninology) March 26, 2020
We have seen some 88,000 people in hospitality alone lose their jobs last week.
— Kristina Keneally (@KKeneally) March 25, 2020
It is time for the Government to ensure that Australians have the support they need to have shelter and food.
We are talking about basic income support and people need it now #auspol #COVID19Aus pic.twitter.com/nAiq70UCJu
Coronavirus: The case for a universal basic income becomes clearer https://t.co/NSUqEJ5YrQ
— NOW Magazine (@nowtoronto) March 27, 2020
We need a Universal Basic Income now. This crisis proves we need it (especially among those in the arts, and marginalised people) and so much else has been shown to be bullshit that there can be no more excuses. And a UBI can be cost neutral. Here's one way. #UBINow pic.twitter.com/rnmCvuaM3c
— Alan Baxter (@AlanBaxter) March 28, 2020
I love the concept of a Universal Basic Income. https://t.co/y2a5ASltmw
— Dr Karl (@DoctorKarl) March 28, 2020
We’re approaching the end of the month. That means bills are about to be due.
— Mike Broihier (@MikeForKY) March 29, 2020
A #UBI would help many of us get through what’s going to be a tough week.
We must keep fighting for it.#MikeForKY
“When I was on basic income, I wasn’t stressing about having enough money to buy bread" -fmr Ont. #BasicIncome participant. How a UBI could buttress the economic impact of COVID-19 from @ziannlum @HuffPostCanada cc @KPateontheHill @timosh99 @TheMUBIP https://t.co/cXBZIXCAfq
— Tom Cooper (@TomCoopster) March 28, 2020
In times of crisis, we need an income floor. @stocktondemo https://t.co/eD8KO6XyCS
— Michael Tubbs (@MichaelDTubbs) March 29, 2020
Universal Basic Income would rescue self-employed and gig economy workers from the catastrophe currently enveloping their lives https://t.co/9Pz9huVcHo
— Owen Jones 🌹 (@OwenJones84) March 26, 2020
Basic income scheme is the necessity, as it would help in consumption which will step up the demand in the economy. The already cash strapped economy, needs cash flow which the Modi Govt is bent upon to overlook.#देश_मांगे_न्याय
— Congress, Minority Department (@INCMinority) March 26, 2020
We are seeing first-hand that millions of Americans NEED:
— Tomas Ramos (@tomas4congress) March 28, 2020
🔸Universal Basic Income
🔸Universal Healthcare
🔸Free High-Speed Internet
🔸Student Debt Eliminated
And we need it NOW!
New UK poll shows that *84%* now support universal basic income. https://t.co/rNeEsGC6qL
— Scott Santens🧢🏄♂️ (@scottsantens) March 27, 2020
I keep saying this, but a lot of the anxiety caused by the virus would be largely mitigated by Universal Basic Income. At least no-one would have to worry about eviction or going hungry. Just saying (again) 🌹#BasicIncome #doughnuteconomic
— Loula Abdulla (@AbdullaLoula) March 28, 2020
KFL&A Board of Health calls for guaranteed basic income during pandemic https://t.co/3b13d6BCYm pic.twitter.com/fU0FWwnD9X
— The Whig-Standard (@WhigStandard) March 27, 2020
Thousands of self-employed people in Wales remain without support due to the Coronavirus crisis.
— Plaid Cymru (@Plaid_Cymru) March 29, 2020
We need a Welsh solution – an emergency universal basic income to make sure no family is left behind says Plaid Cymru Shadow Economy Minister @HelenMaryCymru. pic.twitter.com/IR3U21t5Tk
Every American should receive $1800 every month as long as this lasts. No American should be charged for healthcare costs. And no American should have to worry about rent or mortgage til this is over. THAT is a bailout. It's also how to save our lives and the election in November
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) March 30, 2020
FYI:
— Mike Gibbs🏳️🌈 (@Mikeggibbs) March 26, 2020
Today Public Health experts including a Harvard Medical School professor warned in a Covid-19 Op-Ed:
URGENT action is required on supplies and testing AND a beefed up social safety net.
*Including Universal Basic Income.*https://t.co/Io7Ca8utkl pic.twitter.com/E2jFCDIgBC
There’s a simple solution to ensure that no one is forgotten or left behind right now. Universal Basic Income for six months.
— James Melville (@JamesMelville) March 26, 2020
The Universal Credit online application system has collapsed. It never was fit for purpose with verification and Job Centre closures. A psychological maze designed to disorientate and dissuade. It's time for the Government to move directly to Universal Basic Income direct to all. https://t.co/xzHBFwPDpK
— Paul Sweeney (@PaulJSweeney) March 24, 2020
We should do this now! #UBIStimulus https://t.co/b1BdzhYXOX
— Earl Blumenauer (@repblumenauer) March 15, 2020
Nations around the globe will have to seriously consider (even if temporary) Universal Basic Income or some sort of Social Insurance which covers most vulnerable in society. @arabnews
— Prof Azeem Ibrahim (@AzeemIbrahim) March 30, 2020
COVID-19 and the case for the universal basic income https://t.co/qEeXwyKHpi pic.twitter.com/i0zkb7Zi2q
BREAKING: In Easter message, Pope Francis proposes universal basic income and new priorities in a time of coronavirus https://t.co/AgW1ATDxZh
— Kevin Clarke (@ClarkeAtAmerica) April 12, 2020
My latest: The pandemic strengthens the case for universal basic income https://t.co/KGHyUdL0QO
— Ishaan Tharoor (@ishaantharoor) April 10, 2020
Wow, Financial Times editorial today. 'Radical reforms — reversing the policy direction of the last four decades — will need to be put on the table. (…) Policies until recently considered eccentric, such as basic income and wealth taxes, will have to be in the mix.' pic.twitter.com/2eIFFwQcxF
— Rutger Bregman (@rcbregman) April 4, 2020
A universal basic income for all Australians. There are many health (including mental health), decriminalisation, education and significant economic benefits for our society to be derived from a basic income scheme. Post COVID-19 this is the recovery debate we need to have. https://t.co/eJeEoG3cEO
— Quentin Dempster (@QuentinDempster) April 2, 2020
66% of likely voters prefer recurring payments of $2,000 until a year after the President declares an end to the federal state of emergency. 52% of Republicans also agree with this view. My piece w. Hyeri Choi: https://t.co/gIPRjjiWl5 #basicincome @alonggur @dataprogress pic.twitter.com/zpsnWh7bsh
— Ioana Marinescu (@mioana) April 14, 2020
A temporary #UBI would likely stop these protests in a heartbeat
— Jay Brannan (@jaybrannan) April 18, 2020
I’ve signed the Humanity Forward Pledge, which calls for $2,000 per month to every American for the duration of this pandemic and $1,000 forever. pic.twitter.com/06rENXVUus
— Chivona Renee Newsome (@newyorkvonni) April 18, 2020
Coronavirus has made basic income not just desirable but vital https://t.co/xnwnJw6Xa1 pic.twitter.com/2zsu2ORtCH
— World Economic Forum (@wef) April 16, 2020
Universal basic income is the solution to job loss https://t.co/xdY3VkdkqF #velshi
— Ali Velshi (@AliVelshi) April 19, 2020
Stacey Abrams and Andrew Yang announce plan to provide $1,000 in direct cash payments to 100,000 families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits https://t.co/Y8gI0mzUCL
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) April 21, 2020
Emergency UBI:
— Karl Widerquist (@KarlWiderquist) April 23, 2020
Cushion for people who can't work during Covid
Bonus for people who we need to work during Covid
Small stimulus for everyone else
In one simple program
Nearly 10,000 tweets in 30 minutes.
— marc 🦉📷 (@marcKlock) April 24, 2020
The people need their money. #CongressPassUBI pic.twitter.com/KwsgVb9VRh
Even if the lockdowns lifted tomorrow, the economic devastation will continue for years to come. We need to heal this country. We need to put money in regular Americans' hands, right now. #CongressPassUBI pic.twitter.com/vO6uSCCsfu
— James Treakle 🎬 (@JamesTreakle) April 24, 2020
A representative who refuses to fight for UBI is a representative who refuses to fight for you. Support for UBI will soon be the litmus test for all political candidates in America, and if our current representatives can’t see that, they’ll soon be voted out. #CongressPassUBI
— Lil Bezos (@gariamray) April 24, 2020
A Universal Basic Income will abolish poverty in America.
— Mike Broihier (@MikeForKY) April 24, 2020
If our leaders are committed to the idea of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, they will pass a #UBI.#CongressPassUBI
💵 $2,000/mo for every American over the age of 16 who makes less than $130k.
— Tim Ryan (@TimRyan) April 25, 2020
💵 Up to $1,500 extra for families w/ kids.
🗓 Every month until the crisis ends.
This is how we take care of working Americans. Read more on my plan with @RoKhanna:https://t.co/TpFnM8SnQo
It’s time for a universal basic income. https://t.co/D3V740TgHw
— Jen Perelman (@JENFL23) April 27, 2020
Americans need more than a $1,200 check. A guaranteed basic income is the stimulus we deserve https://t.co/5RLVyYcMWB
— Michael Tubbs (@MichaelDTubbs) April 28, 2020
UBI is most definitely worthy of attention. If you have questions, might I suggest a chat with @AndrewYang. https://t.co/kUp8W3DZox
— Dr. John Biggan (@Biggan4Congress) April 27, 2020
Wondering whether cash transfers should be universal or targeted after a disaster like Covid-19? So was @Stanford's basic income lab. Juliana Bidadanure, @sheidaelmi, @dr_pugh, @DavidCalnitsky, and @Ugentilini and I weigh in: https://t.co/LjcH3jIN5X #BasicIncome
— Miranda Perry Fleischer (@mirandaperrygrl) April 28, 2020
Read next:
Six Existential Problems Universal Basic Income Will Solve
What is Wim Hof Breathing?
UBI for COVID-19 in the news:
- Wall Street Journal | Opinion: The Case for a Big Coronavirus Stimulus by Jason Furman
- New York Times | Opinion: We Need Real Economic Stimulus by Steven Rattner
- Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Resolution Calling for Emergency Universal Basic Payment as Direct Coronavirus Pandemic Relief; House Resolution 897 (H.Res.897)
- Fast Company: To stop a coronavirus quarantine recession, economists say send everyone cash—now by Talib Visram
- CNBC: Andrew Yang, AOC, Harvard professor: Free cash payments would help during coronavirus pandemic by Catherine Clifford