Oregon Voters to Consider Approving Nation’s First Universal Basic Income

Oregonians will vote in November on a controversial ballot measure that would give every resident, regardless of age or income, $1,600 each year—as long as they live at least 200 days in the state. A family of four would receive $6,400 annually, with no strings attached. The money would be non-taxable and would not affect other benefits. If voters approve Measure 118, the Universal Basic Income (UBI) program would be funded by a tax on the gross receipts of corporations that generate more than $25 million in annual sales. Oregon would be the first state to roll out such a comprehensive UBI. As of June 2024, no U.S. states have a UBI program, though several states and cities have run pilot programs....