The people who have argued for Basic Income claim that - regardless of moral positions - the world needs (and can afford) to make this idea a reality. It's touted as a good 'small government' alternative to more radical forms of wealth re-distribution - since individuals take the lions' share of responsibility in handling their funds.

Here's a running list of the positive effects of the concept.

1. The bureaucratic expense of social programs would be cut down drastically.

41% of the U.S. budget - state and federal - $1.4 Trillion, goes towards Retirement benefits, Veteran benefits, Safety Net programs such as childcare, and Social Security for the population such as welfare or unemployment insurance.

Like any system, there are imperfections. Food Stamps, for example, total about $8 billion annually - but it's assumed that about one billion of this is lost as recipients trade them off (at a loss) for badly needed cash. A practice which the government then needs to spend resources on chasing down violators and processing them through court.

Like any operation that is stream-lined and simplified - opportunities to save money surface. A single program with complex protocols, privacy concerns, investigation agencies etc. is going to cost less than twenty smaller programs struggling with the same problems on smaller budgets.

2. Poverty related issues (and their expensive consequences) would be greatly alleviated.

Basic Income would allow for people to seek and obtain proper medical and dietary care - as well as securing shelter and heat - all of which would save on long-term medical costs such as surgery. Issues of mental health and drug abuse would alleviate since the economic conditions that drive people into abusive practices would improve - returning more members to the working population. Family units would be able to devote more time to raising their children.

3. Education and the Arts would become viable.

The workforce - in much need of retraining - would be able to re-educate itself and re-tool for the changing economy. Currently some 15% of Americans struggle below the poverty-line, and do not have the time or money to educate themselves or obtain better working conditions. This has an overall effect of lagging the economy, as talent is instead trapped in maintaining a minimum standard of living.

The Arts - a sector that has historically suffered from lack of funding - would become a viable profession even if no additional income was made from its production. Art, of course, helps society communicate with its members and understand the world around it. A crucial role in an ever-changing world that needs constant scrutiny and explanation.