Amid the COVID-19 pandemic Pope Francis says it might be time for some sort of universal basic income.
“This may be the time to consider a universal basic wage” to “acknowledge and dignify the noble, essential tasks” and to “achieve the ideal ... of no worker without rights,” Pope Francis said in a letter to the World Meeting of Popular Movements, an organization representing global grassroots organizations, published on Sunday via the Vatican.
The Pope acknowledged that for many workers, the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns are making it difficult, if not impossible, for people to earn money.
“Many of you live from day to day, without any type of legal guarantee to protect you,” Pope Francis says in the letter. “Street vendors, recyclers, carnies, small farmers, construction workers, dressmakers, the different kinds of caregivers: you who are informal, working on your own or in the grassroots economy, you have no steady income to get you through this hard time ... and the lockdowns are becoming unbearable.”
“The ills that afflict everyone hit you twice as hard,” Pope Francis said to global laborers.
For those who aren't familiar with universal basic income (wage):
A universal basic income is a government guarantee that each citizen receives a minimum income. It is also called a citizen’s income, guaranteed minimum income, or basic income.
The intention behind the payment is to provide enough to cover the basic cost of living and provide financial security. The concept has regained popularity as a way to offset job losses caused by technology.
Plans differ on who receives the income. Some would pay every citizen, regardless of income. Others would only pay those who are below the poverty line, whether they are working or not.
On paper...... sure, most fundamentals of this idea sound great.
When the rubber hits the road...... there's no simple way to pay for this -- especially if all the other social/welfare programs stay intact.
Pope definitely elevated the conversation another notch or two.
Grace & Peace & Love to you all -
Matt