In a previous post I wrote about basic income, the idea that everyone in a society receives money for simple expenses such as food and housing, regardless of whether they work or not. Trends in demographics and technology are driving the idea of and need for basic income.
To many in the United States, this notion probably seems at least farfetched, if not lunacy. Where is Basic Income Starting to Appear?
Mainly places where the demographic and technological trends are happening: United States, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Switzerland.
Here is a roundup of some projects and referendums on basic income. Check them out:
- In the United States, Silicon Valley is beginning to research universal basic income. As a major driver of technology and automation, Silicon Valley can foresee the impact of its work. The tech incubator Y Combinator is starting a universal basic income pilot project in Oakland.
- Also in the United States, one man in New Orleans is crowdfunding universal basic income for himself as a way to afford advocating for the concept full-time.
- In Germany, one nonprofit is raising money for universal basic incomes and raffling off one-year stipends of basic income.
- Soon In the Netherlands, 250 people will start receiving about $1,100 per month as part of a two year study in basic income.
- In Finland this fall, voters will consider a proposition to give about $875 per month in basic income to all citizens.
- In Switzerland in 2013, citizens forced a vote on basic income, only to see the measure fail.
I’m sure there are other examples of basic income projects. Do your own research–maybe a project is happening in your area or city. I’d love to hear about it.
(Image courtesy of Flickr)