What would universal income look like in America?
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The state of Oregon is considering a bill to provide 12 monthly payments of $1,000 to homeless individuals. This bill would also cover those who are at risk of being homeless, those who are severely burdened by rent or those below 60 percent of the median income.
Proposed by Sen. Winsvey Campos and the Department of Human Services, the bill is meant to be a pilot program to experiment logistics of universal basic income. The bill nicknamed the, People's Housing Assistance Fund Demonstration Program could be used at the discretion of the recipient. However, it is expected that the recipients will use the stipend towards living expenses like rent.
According to SoFi, the average monthly mortgage cost is $1,699. Oregon currently ranks at number five for most expensive states to live in. While utilities are some of the cheapest in the nation, housing costs are what inflates the statistics. The average cost of a home in Oregon is $447,968.
Universal basic income has gained popularity recently. States such as Alaska and New York have already passed similar bills in the past. In fact, Alaska has one of the most liberal version of UBI in the country, with a whopping $1,114 issued per person for the year.
Critics of the bill have raised concerns about the practicality of the bill and its effectiveness. The main concern is that UBI disincentivizes finding work. Another concern is that the money issued would not go to essential expenses like rent. Rather, the money could be used to further the drug crisis. Advocates of the bill urge that UBI is a basic human right and would help provide a cushion to those facing homelessness.
If passed, the bill would go into effect for two years. After this, it would be re-evaluated to decide whether or not the program should proceed.
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Christian Perspective: Christ tells us that the poor will always be with us. He also instructs his people to give freely and with a cheerful heart. If we are giving, it ought to be out of our cheerful hearts; not begrudgingly or because of mandates.
Isaiah 58:10- And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
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