Exploring a Universal Basic Income: Implications for the United States

In the status quo, the United States faces issues of economic disparity, even despite policies aimed at aiding lower and middle-class citizens. To address this concern, the idea of a Universal Basic Income has been voiced. A Universal Basic Income or UBI is a program that provides all citizens with a modest, regular income without means-testing or work requirements. However, a UBI is impractical because of its immense cost, reduction in total GDP, and increasing federal debt. A UBI could increase inflation and disincentivize workers. To address the issues of poverty, the United States ought to better the existing social safety net. This paper advocates for policy reform to these programs to best solve the issues of economic disadvantages.