This is yet another example of a progressive idea which used to be limited to liberal college campuses, now being pushed in mainstream politics.
The College Fix reports:
California legislator wants universal basic income for poor college studentsA Democratic state senator wants to give $500 a month to poor college students as a test program of universal basic income.The proposal, expected to be formally introduced this month, would “establish a UBI pilot program at 3-5 [California State University campuses],” according to a one-page summary provided to The College Fix by senator Dave Cortese’ (pictured) office.Tara Sreekrishnan, Cortese’ deputy chief of staff, did not answer questions about how it would be funded, if there would be any work or academic achievement requirements and other eligibility criteria.She also did not answer a question about the possibility of students working and attending class part-time instead of receiving UBI.The proposal would include “approximately 9,500-14,000 eligible student participants,” according to the fact sheet.“Therefore, the total cost for the proposal would range between $57 million and $84 million, excluding minimal administrative costs,” the one-pager says. Students would qualify if their families were in the bottom quintile of income. The fact sheet said this is $20,000 in annual income.The legislation has not been formally introduced yet. The Fix reached out to an Ivy League university’s think tank that focuses on similar guaranteed payment programs, but did not receive an answer to questions.The University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research did not respond to an email request for comment from The College Fix.The Fix reached out to the media team for comment on the proposed program and if student UBI programs should have academic and work requirements.The Penn think tank has led several guaranteed income pilot programs around the country.
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