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Those struggling to make ends meet in Finland could soon get some extra cash, courtesy of the government. The Nordic nation is considering plans to hand over 800 tax-free euros to citizens every month. And it’s not just for citizens who are strapped for cash—every resident would receive a monthly payment equivalent to about $870.
The monthly €800 payment would replace all other welfare, social security programs, unemployment payments, The Independent reports. The Finnish government plans to begin testing the program in 2017.
Basic income schemes will become the norm in the next 50 years as automation and population slowdowns in rich countries will make it impossible to maintain both low unemployment and livable wages. In a post need, knowledge economy the idea of having to work for a basic living will go away simply because there isn't enough work for everyone to do.*
Finland is on teh front edge of this as they have a very highly educated population, but negative population growth, a not so bright and little native industry.
Frankly, it would probably save the US billions to go this route in lieu of housing/welfare/SSI.
*That is unless we start paying laborers >$20/hour very soon, which we won't
Those struggling to make ends meet in Finland could soon get some extra cash, courtesy of the government. The Nordic nation is considering plans to hand over 800 tax-free euros to citizens every month. And it’s not just for citizens who are strapped for cash—every resident would receive a monthly payment equivalent to about $870.
The monthly €800 payment would replace all other welfare, social security programs, unemployment payments, The Independent reports. The Finnish government plans to begin testing the program in 2017.
They are just ahead of of us. IN the near future all work will be automated and available work for humans will be quite rare. To avoid a revolution all humans will receive a salary.
Furthermore, the capitalists will need folks with money to sell them goods.
And eventually -----once the wealthy reach the point of redundant wealth there will be more cash flowing to the masses.
This is the consequence of an advanced society which is unknown to republicans that still live in the era of feudalism.
Definitely an interesting experiment worth keeping an eye to see how that model works. Though, if I am not mistaken, that is sort of like what happens in Alaska with residents there.
Definitely an interesting experiment worth keeping an eye to see how that model works. Though, if I am not mistaken, that is sort of like what happens in Alaska with residents there.
I wonder if something like that can work in america. Just get rid of FOOD STAMPS and all government assistance programs then just pay everyone a check every month.
Must be nice to get that. Although government handouts like this may have a tax increase behind it.
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