In Basic Income news this week - local and abroad

Germany is beginning a universal-basic-income trial with people getting $1,400 a month for 3 years

Business Insider - 19 August 2020

Germany is about to become the latest country to trial a universal basic income, starting a three-year study of how it affects the economy and recipients' well-being.

As part of the study, 120 people will receive €1,200, or about $1,430, each month for three years — an amount just above Germany's poverty line — and researchers will compare their experiences with another group of 1,380 people who will not receive the payments.

Read more here...

Basic Income Updates, News and Information - as of 22 August 2020

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness is a national movement of individuals, organizations and communities working together to end homelessness in Canada.

Lack of affordable housing and homelessness in Canada are not new problems. But sometimes, old problems require new solutions. As we enter an unprecedented economic recovery, Canada has the opportunity to make meaningful and lasting change to address these problems for all Canadians. Basic Income must be a part of this solution. That is why OBIN has endorsed the Six Point Plan to End Homelessness in Canada. Do you agree? Sign the petition to let MPs know today.

Excerpt:

"Alleviating poverty is key to preventing homelessness. A national guaranteed minimum income will ensure those in greatest need have minimum financial resources to help them meet their basic needs and prevent homelessness when times are tough."

Basic Income Calgary - 15 July 2020

For Immediate Release  - 15 July 2020, Ottawa

Senator Kim Pate today released the attached written statement outlining a perspective on what a national guaranteed livable income program could look like and achieve as a feasible, costed and imminent reality.

This statement follows on a report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance recommending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that the “Government of Canada, with provinces, territories and Indigenous governments, give full, fair and priority consideration to a basic income guarantee.”

“The report of the National Finance Committee has reminded us of the human, social and economic importance of measuring how people are doing during this pandemic, especially those who have been disproportionately affected—women, children, institutionalized and elderly people, and essential workers,” said Senator Pate.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp relief the reality that government has a role in managing the economy. In this time of crisis, it was to the government that companies and people looked for help. COVID-19 has shown us the vital need to centre our economy on human health and well-being, and that our environment and biosphere respond positively when we do. This, and not solely the GDP, must be how we evaluate the success of our interventions.”

“If we govern according to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, if we ensure access to universally accessible healthcare and economic supports, if we stop rewarding countries for economic growth achieved at the expense of environmental degradation and exploitation of the most vulnerable that result in massive social, economic and health inequalities, Canada can and will lead the world in global recovery efforts,” concluded Senator Pate.

"Guaranteed livable income will help us move toward this goal. I am eager to work with my all Parliamentary and community colleagues to make this more equal, more just, and more hopeful future a reality.”

*** Read the statement here.

Ontario Basic Income Network - 21 July 2020

Lobby Day Letter #4 is available on this page.

When sending out the July 2020 letter we are asking that you attach the link to our recent report, Rethinking Work and Income Security in the 21st Century: The Case for Basic Income and Work.

Please also CC us at OBIN when sending out your emails. We keep track of how many letters are sent out and to whom.

Thank you for being a Basic Income Advocate.

NEWS RELEASE - 16 July 2020

Today, artists, writers, technicians and performers are calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to create a permanent basic income guarantee.

A Public Letter from the Arts Community for a Basic Income Guarantee

11 July 2020 - Winnipeg Free Press

Basic Income Manitoba invited secondary and post-secondary students from across the province to submit essays addressing the question of “What would a basic income mean to me?”  Winners in each category received cash prizes and have had their essays published by the Winnipeg Free Press.

*** Read the winning essays here.

See more info on Youth and Basic Income here.

Webinar: 9 July 2020,  2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, EDT

Register for the Webinar - scroll down to the bottom of the information page

Co-sponsored by Social Canada and The Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy

For many years, Basic Income was seen to be a niche political issue with sparse support among major political figures. However, the Basic Income Canada Network (BICN) and advocates in other countries have been tireless in its pursuit. With reported successes in the Ontario Basic Income Pilot and growth of electoral support across North America galvanized by leaders like Andrew Yang, support has expanded. In Canada, several senators and business leaders have aligned themselves behind the concept. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, and the federal government’s numerous support programs, the case for basic income continues to grow. But many models have been advanced, causing some confusion as to its meaning and parameters. Join us as we discuss a detailed proposal advanced by BICN, as well as the merits and pitfalls of a Basic Income approach to Canadian income security.