HB 24-10: Atlasian Economic Security Act (Passed)

[Senator Spiral]

Thank you for bringing this to the floor, Mr. Speaker.

I have long believed that a basic income is essential to implement for our country. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, we were already in the midst of a changing labor market that threatens workers with rapid automation over the long run. This pandemic has only exacerbated current trends, I fear. Seeing the recent relief bill pass with a hefty basic income is a tremendous outcome, but we must be aware that economic struggles will remain even after the virus is in control. This bill offers a scaled back, but permanent disbursement of $1000 monthly that will be indexed for inflation. It will give all adult Atlasians a stable safety net they can depend on.

[Senator Spiral]

We seem to agree on UBI ideally being a supplement to existing welfare programs. I'm certainly supportive of any of those funding mechanisms you mentioned. The idea of a robot tax is something in particular worth looking into; South Korea implemented a variant of it several years ago which appears to have been a positive, and it would serve as an another counter to automation displacing swathes of people. I admit that I'm attracted to the notion of it truly being universal, but I understand if narrowing the recipients is the difference between passing and failing. Would an income cap of $50,000 per individual muster any interest among the folks in this chamber?

[Senator Spiral]

I'll amend the bill as such:

Atlasian Economic Security Act

An Act to implement a permanent universal basic income to Atlasian citizens.

Be it enacted by the Congress of the Republic of Atlasia assembled:

1. Every eligible citizen of Atlasia shall receive $1000 per month.

2. Eligible citizens for purposes of this Act include those who are at least age 18 and who report total annual income per individual of up to $50,000.

3. Payments of $1000 shall be disbursed at the first of each calendar month.

4. An annual review of this Act shall be conducted at the beginning of each calendar year to revise the payment amount in accordance with measurements from the Consumer Price Index.

5. Implementation of this Act shall effectively begin following the expiration of terms set forth in the Emergency Economic Stimulus Act of 2020.

[Senator Spiral]

Aye

[Senator Spiral]

On second thought, I'm changing my vote to Nay. There is clearly more of an appetite for this program to be universal, which aligns with my gut instincts on the matter.

[Senator Spiral]

That latest amendment is actually perfectly fine with me. It keeps the basic income for everyone while addressing the revenue question. I shall be voting in favor for it.

[Senator Spiral]

This amendment is friendly.

[Senator Spiral]

Aye

[Senator Spiral]

I likewise am supportive of a final vote.

[Senator Spiral]

Aye