Financing Universal Basic Income: A Comprehensive Approach

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Explore the financial landscape of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in the U.S. Discover estimated costs, potential savings from universal healthcare, welfare service consolidation, and technological advancements. Delve into the proposal of a Value-Added Tax (VAT) on national GDP for budget balancing. Uncover intangible benefits, including reduced poverty and crime, contributing to an enhanced quality of life. Gain insights into a comprehensive approach to financing UBI and its potential societal impact.

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Cost of UBI

To estimate the cost of providing $1,000 per month to every American adult citizen, we can use the following calculation: Total U.S. Adult Population (approximately 255 million) * Monthly UBI per person ($1,000) * 12 months. This yields an annual cost of $3.06 trillion.

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Universal Healthcare Savings

Implementing a universal healthcare system could potentially save around $500 billion annually. By streamlining healthcare services and reducing administrative costs, a universal system could enhance efficiency and allocate resources more effectively.

Welfare Services Consolidation

Consolidating welfare services, including housing, food, and education assistance, could result in significant savings. The elimination of redundant processes and administrative costs would contribute to overall efficiency. While maintaining support for handicapped or impaired recipients, the estimated annual savings could range from $200 to $300 billion.

Technological Advancements

As technology continues to advance, certain government-funded jobs may become obsolete. While this could lead to job displacement, it could also result in savings from reduced labor costs. The potential savings depend on the extent to which automation is integrated, but savings estimates range from $100 to $200 billion annually.

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

To balance the budget, a Value-Added Tax (VAT) on the national GDP could be implemented. VAT is a consumption tax applied at each stage of the production chain. Estimates suggest that a VAT rate of 10% to 15% might be needed to generate sufficient revenue. This could contribute an additional $2 to $3 trillion annually.

Intangible Benefits

Implementing UBI not only addresses economic concerns but also has intangible benefits. Reduced poverty, crime, homelessness, and substance abuse contribute to an improved quality of life for individuals. While these benefits are challenging to quantify monetarily, they form a crucial part of the overall positive impact of UBI.

The Last Word

Funding Universal Basic Income requires a multifaceted approach, combining savings from healthcare reform, welfare service consolidation, technological advancements, and the introduction of a VAT. The estimated costs and savings outlined in this article provide a foundation for understanding the financial implications of UBI. Additionally, the intangible benefits underscore the potential transformative impact on societal well-being.