The first results from a Universal Basic Income (UBI) experiment in Stockton, California are in—and guess what? They’re already disproving one of the most popular arguments levied against UBI, which is that recipients will use the money on frivolous purchases. In Stockton, the early results show most of the 125 people in the program used the $500 they received each month for food, utility bills, and clothing. A new Associated Press story breaks down the spending: recipients spent about 40 percent of the funds on food, 24 percent on sales and merchandise, and 11 percent on utility bills. They spent the remainder on car maintenance, medical expenses, insurance, education, self-care, and even donations. Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs is hopeful the new data will help “win over” skeptics of UBI — and potentially convince lawmakers to take the program nationwide.
Stockton UBI experiment: recipients are spending money only to cover basic needs
More of Today's Solutions
Air pollution deaths in London fall 40 percent over five years
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Deaths linked to air pollution in London fell an estimated 40 percent between 2019 and 2024, according to ...
Read MoreKeep cut sunflowers fresh longer with these simple care habits
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM You brought them home, stuck them in a vase, and two days later they were drooping. Happens to ...
Read MoreInflation is real! Here are 10 tips to save on groceries as prices go up
As the cost of living continues to soar, many of us are left staring hard at grocery store shelves and willing (in vain) for ...
Read MoreBored at the gym? Circuit training offers a fun workout solution for getting ...
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Circuit training has emerged as a popular workout routine among those looking for a dynamic and efficient approach ...
Read More
