Introduction

With the staggering proposal of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) for 300 million Americans at $12,000 per person annually, the financial burden would amount to a monumental $3.6 trillion. This sum significantly outstrips the current US budget and would require substantial government funding. The challenge, therefore, is to identify areas of the government where funding can be cut to support such a program without compromising essential services. This article explores potential areas of government spending that can be reduced or eliminated, and the broader implications of such cuts.

Redundant Welfare Programs

One major area of savings could come from the elimination or reform of existing welfare programs. Programs like Welfare, Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other similar support systems could be phased out over time if a robust UBI system is implemented. Such a move would streamline government operations and reduce bureaucratic overhead. According to estimates, this could lead to significant savings that could be redirected toward the funding of UBI.

Military Spending Reduction

The current American military budget is unparalleled, amounting to more than the combined military budgets of all other nations. Conservative justifications often hinge on fear, urging increased spending on the military, often citing the need for security and defense. However, a significant portion of military spending goes towards government contracts, which are often overly lucrative for private companies. These contracts hold little significant benefit for the general public and contribute to a bloated and inefficient military apparatus. By trimming this fat, substantial savings can be achieved, which could be redirected towards the funding of a UBI program.

Reforming Tax Policies

To fund a UBI, it is imperative to revisit and reform tax policies. The current progressive tax system, which sees the highest tax bracket at 20%, would likely need to see an increase. Historically, the 1950s saw a top tax rate of 90%, and increasing this rate could generate the necessary funds for a UBI. Additionally, wealthy individuals and corporations should be subject to a carbon tax that is used to fund UBI rather than enriching already wealthy families. Any financial aid sent to other countries must also be halted until the US reduces its domestic debt and addresses pressing domestic issues.

Border Control and Immigration Reform

Border patrol initiatives often lack the necessary effectiveness to secure the nation's borders. Instead of deploying agents 100 miles inland, those resources could be better utilized to create immigration laws that differentiate between new immigrants and those with existing privileges. This would involve a phased approach to limit and manage immigration, reducing the administrative burden and costs associated with border patrol. Redirecting these funds towards border security and immigration reform would ensure that the country's resources are effectively utilized.

Conclusion

While there are many areas of government spending that can be reconsidered, it is crucial to ensure that the savings are directed towards meaningful and beneficial programs such as UBI. It is important to avoid wasting savings on “crackpot concepts” and to focus on programs that genuinely benefit the public. This includes implementing an effective tax reform, reducing unnecessary military spending, cutting redundant welfare programs, and reforming border control and immigration policies. By making these strategic cuts and reforms, the necessary funds could be allocated to support a robust UBI system.