With only six candidates remaining, America’s ninth Democratic debate has brought with it a multitude of conflicting characters, lively entertainment and provided a platform for the ushering in of new and bold ideas. An important figure absent from this debate was Andrew Yang.

Of the campaigns and ambitions that were broadcast to the millions watching at home, the unprecedented surge of Andrew Yang exemplified a side of politics that this country so desperately needs and still leaves a pivotal mark within the political discussion. Yang’s Freedom Dividend, which takes largely from UBI, is very much an important tool our economy would benefit from and serves as a solution to some of the many problems that are present within American society.

UBI stands for universal basic income and was first developed by French political activist Marie-Jean-Antoine-Caritat-Nicolas-de-Caritat during the end of the 18th century. UBI’s meaning lies in its name. It is the guaranteed providing of a fixed amount of money to a governed population without the need of credentials like passing a test or having an occupation. It is a system that provides for much flexibility and can differ from policy to policy. The Freedom Dividend of Yang would propose $1,000 a month to any citizens over the age of 18, regardless of socioeconomic or occupational status.