Universal Basic Income Concepts

The video discusses the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI), highlighting its historical support from figures like Thomas Paine and Martin Luther King Jr. It explains Alaska's successful UBI model funded by a petroleum dividend. The speaker proposes a national UBI plan, the Freedom Dividend, providing $1,000 monthly to adults, funded by a value-added tax on tech companies. This plan aims to boost the economy, reduce poverty, and improve public welfare.

Who was one of the early proponents of Universal Basic Income in America?

• Thomas Paine

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

What was the main reason UBI did not become law in the 1970s?

• Economic downturn

• Opposition from the President

• Lack of public support

• Democrats wanted a higher income threshold

What is the annual amount Alaskans receive from the petroleum dividend?

• $500 to $1,000

• $1,000 to $2,000

• $3,000 to $4,000

• $2,000 to $3,000

What is the proposed monthly amount for the Freedom Dividend?

• $500

• $1,000

• $750

• $1,500

How many new jobs is the Freedom Dividend expected to create?

• 1 million

• 2 million

• 3 million

• 4 million

What is a major issue with large technology companies in the context of UBI funding?

• They are reducing consumer spending

• They are creating too many jobs

• They are not paying enough taxes

• They are investing too much in infrastructure

What is a value-added tax (VAT) expected to do for the American public?

• Increase the cost of living

• Provide a share of revenue from technological sales

• Eliminate income tax

• Reduce government spending

How much revenue could a VAT at half the European level generate?

• $800 billion

• $500 billion

• $700 billion

• $600 billion

What is one potential benefit of reducing poverty through UBI?

• Higher unemployment rates

• Increased GDP by $700 billion

• Lower educational attainment

• Decreased GDP

What is a key argument for implementing a VAT to fund UBI?

• It will reduce consumer spending

• It will increase government control

• It will decrease technological innovation

• It will harness gains from technological advancements