OPINION

Daniel Larson, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. | Guest column

The year 2020 started with a 20% chance of recession.

In the last 14 days, our economy has been in free fall. While we push through this time together as a Montana community, let us all pay attention to how and why it became a reality.

Why was our energy sector teetering on the edge of a cliff?

How were we unprepared for an event that had a 20% chance of occurring? Sure, no one could have predicted the COVID-19 virus outbreak, but the threat of a pandemic has always been very real; we should have had a contingency plan in place. We should be able to count on that.

There are many seasons in life, I have no doubt we will be able to get through this one, just as we have before. My hope for future generations is that we get better at preparation. I hope we learn to be honest with each other in planning for our hardships.

VIA DAN LARSON

One day we will learn to be united in our response, and not divided in our approach.

This all starts with transparency and understanding.

Over the past few months, people who know me have been learning about Universal Basic Income. In the last week, the idea received some significant attention. It can serve as a tool to stimulate our economy and help the 84 million Americans in home quarantine, as well as the countless others financially impacted by this virus.

The ongoing debate in the House centers on who will get a stimulus check and when. Many have a hard time grasping the benefits of treating us all equally. When we hear Nancy Pelosi call for a means-tested solution, we should answer back that the market needs a simple, effective and durable solution now.

{{props.notification}} {{props.tag}} {{props.expression}} {{props.linkSubscribe.text}} {{#modules.acquisition.inline}}{{/modules.acquisition.inline}} ... Our reporting. Your stories. Get unlimited digital access to exclusive content. Subscribe Now

Many Americans do not have the time or resources to jump through extra government hoops, and each American deserves the opportunity to financially survive a crisis this big. We are a country full of people living in different financial circumstances, but treating everyone equally is the most effective way to lift people up in the eye of an impending recession.

I like to think of it like this. Let’s say you currently flood irrigate your fields. You go out each day with a shovel and spend all your time and energy directing the flows of water. In the end, you are still left with areas that are either too dry or overwatered.

Now, imagine you install a center pivot. From a central system, you cover the whole field equally; no more oversaturating an area or leaving a patch without any water at all. This method is not only more efficient, it uses significantly less water than the flood irrigation process.

This is the general premise of Universal Basic Income. We, the United States, need to “financially water” our country equally in order for us all to grow to the best of our ability. Like center pivot irrigation uses less water, Universal Basic Income will cost less in the long term. The consequences of a lack of financial security are much higher than those of dry grass.

Universal Basic Income allows for financial stability, especially in the midst of a tough growing season (or global pandemic!), and creates a stronger country – just as center point irrigation will result in more growth and a healthier field.