Can Oakland Afford A Universal Basic Income Program?

Can Oakland Afford A Universal Basic Income Program?

Universal Basic Income, or what we used to call a Guaranteed Minimum Income, is gaining steam as a way to help combat unemployment and under-employment.

Stockton, Ca. has a pilot program using $1 million, and there’s another such program in West Oakland, but can Oakland can afford such an initiative.

Well, it depends. If Oaklanders believe that all homes should get a monthly check, then the annual price tag is just north of $570 million if we spend $3,600 per household per month.

If we have a smaller household population, then it’s more affordable from the perspective of a parcel tax.

Whatever the case, it’s a debate Oakland should have.

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