Libertarians/conservatives, how about eliminate all social programs and institute UBI(Universal Basic Income) (minimum wage, Murray)

[knowledgeiskey]

I don't see why this isn't a good idea. The poor would be better off getting money in their pocket instead of leeching off the welfare state. This idea is gaining traction. Some prominent conservatives are actually entertaining the idea.

[hoffdano]

It is hard to comment on a program like this without details. Starting with how much $$? Do all other programs, such as food stamps, go away? Can someone do absolutely nothing and "earn" the UBI?

[knowledgeiskey]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

It is hard to comment on a program like this without details. Starting with how much $$? Do all other programs, such as food stamps, go away? Can someone do absolutely nothing and "earn" the UBI?

Yes, $10,000 for those under the poverty line. Charles Murray proposed this.

[TheMoreYouKnow]

Originally Posted by knowledgeiskey

I don't see why this isn't a good idea. The poor would be better off getting money in their pocket instead of leeching off the welfare state. This idea is gaining traction. Some prominent conservatives are actually entertaining the idea.

[knowledgeiskey]

Hoffdano

Here is a blog post about it.

EconoMonitor : Ed Dolan's Econ Blog » A Universal Basic Income: Conservative, Progressive, and Libertarian Perspectives (Part 3 of a Series)

[Hyperthetic]

Originally Posted by knowledgeiskey

I don't see why this isn't a good idea. The poor would be better off getting money in their pocket instead of leeching off the welfare state. This idea is gaining traction. Some prominent conservatives are actually entertaining the idea.

"Money in their pocket" - Heh, heh, ha, ha, hee, hee - Those is Republican words.

[LoveToRow]

Won't really do much, because then we will have the left continually crying for increases to UBI, just like they do w/r/t minimum wage.

[SocialistAtheist]

Originally Posted by knowledgeiskey

Yes, $10,000 for those under the poverty line. Charles Murray proposed this.

Its called the negative income tax. Negative income tax - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Memphis1979]

Because basic income levels wouldn't meet inflation rates.

The same problem the lower end labor market meets now.

I say have a flat tax where all income, up to 50K is 100% tax free. No sales tax on unprepared foods, anywhere. End all taxation on basic utilities. Gas, water, electric, and phones.

[Ace_TX]

"Universal Basic Income"

is that a new 2014 buzzphrase?

will we hear this on Tues. night?