Resolution in Support of Legislation for Universal Basic Income

WHEREAS Texas Democrats believe that we must have an economy that works for all, not just the wealthy. Texas Democrats support policy proposals to address the effect of new technologies, such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, on jobs and the economy.

AND WHEREAS the Urban Institute reports that 13 million Americans live below the poverty line yet receive no support from the government. Reports indicate that 40% of Americans can’t afford an unexpected $400 bill, and 78% are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Rising housing prices have led to an annual increase in homelessness in Texas over the last three years.

AND WHEREAS multiple sources predict a third of all jobs will be displaced by automation by 2030. Over 16 million food and retail workers, who otherwise would have benefited from the $15 minimum wage increase Texas Democrats support, risk losing their source of income entirely.

AND WHEREAS a universal basic income (UBI) would provide a floor for every American and raise low-income households above the poverty line. The Roosevelt Institute found that UBI would create 4.6 million jobs by enabling new lines of work, including those undervalued by the market, such as volunteerism, music, and arts, caretaking, and more.

AND WHEREAS sick leave, bargaining strikes, and unexpected circumstances hurt hourly workers; the most notable example is the COVID-19 outbreak of early 2020. Hong Kong and Japan implemented a basic income program in response to the pandemic. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D, HI-02) introduced H.Res.897 which provides for a universal basic payment to help Americans weather the COVID-19 pandemic; Bipartisan demand for a basic income is made by:

- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D - NY 14)

- Sen. Tom Cotton (R - AR)

- Rep. Katie Porter (D - CA 45)

- Sen. Mitt Romney (R - UT)

- Rep. Tim Ryan (D - OH 13)

- Rep. Ro Khanna (D - CA 17)

AND WHEREAS on March 17th, 2020, during a White House briefing, Treasury Sec. Steve Mnuchin announced they were looking into sending Americans checks for $1,000, similar to the plan proposed by former Democratic Pres. Candidate Andrew Yang.

AND WHEREAS the livelihood of 4.2 million rural Texans is often overlooked in the face of economic recession, reckless trade wars, and climate change. With $1,000 monthly basic income, Anderson County would receive $65 million a month to support rural families in our ever-changing economy and environment.

AND WHEREAS over 1,000 economists, 461 research papers, and 30 cash transfer programs around the world prove UBI causes a variety of social and economic improvements and disproves fears around inflation and work motivation. Civil rights leader Martin Luther King III champions his father’s call for a national guaranteed annual income to eradicate poverty in our lifetime. UBI has rising-favorability by well over half of all Democrats and 72% of voters aged 13-34.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas Democratic Party supports a universal basic income for every adult citizen, with no stipulation on work status, income level, or spending priorities.