Can the U.S. Government Offer Universal Basic Income?
Andrew Yang, Founder of Venture for America and a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, joins The Hive to discuss why he's running on the platform of universal basic income.
Yang is advocating for the freedom dividend aspect of universal basic income. It would give every American adult $1,000 per month to spend on whatever they want. Yes, you heard that right. He says its paid for by a value-added tax.
He explains how this platform won't stifle entrepreneurship in America. He says U.S. citizens are starting 100,000 fewer businesses per year than they were 10-12 years ago. He points out that gaining an extra $1,000 per month would help Americans gain a little control over their finances and allow them to start new ventures.
With a government shutdown five days away, Congress is moving into crisis mode as Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces an insurgency from hard-right Republicans eager to slash spending even if it means curtailing federal services for millions of Americans.
Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey announced on Saturday that he will run against Sen. Robert Menendez in the state’s Democratic primary for Senate next year, saying he feels compelled to run against the three-term senator after he and his wife were indicted on sweeping corruption charges.
