Scott Santens
@scottsantens.com
Unconditional / Universal Basic Income (UBI) knowledge resource
Founder & CEO of UBI-focused nonprofit ITSAfoundation.org
Host of The Basic Income Show youtube.com/scottsantens
My #UBI FAQ: scottsantens.com
Contact me: linktr.ee/scottsantens
Founder & CEO of UBI-focused nonprofit ITSAfoundation.org
Host of The Basic Income Show youtube.com/scottsantens
My #UBI FAQ: scottsantens.com
Contact me: linktr.ee/scottsantens
Pinned
Scott Santens
@scottsantens.com
· Dec 5
I've been researching the idea of Unconditional Universal Basic Income since 2013. Here's a collection of findings I've compiled from various UBI experiments and studies of cash transfer programs around the world.
This will be a VERY LONG and ongoing thread focused entirely on empirical evidence. 🧵
This will be a VERY LONG and ongoing thread focused entirely on empirical evidence. 🧵
New video up! This one is a special guest episode with @jamesfeltonkeith.bsky.social who is running for US Congress in NY's 13th district with universal basic income as a key part of his "We Owe Us" platform. Whose work trained AI? Ours did. All of us. Data is labor.
AI Stole Your Data — This Candidate for Congress Wants a $1,000/Month UBI For It
YouTube video by Scott Santens
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 10:16 PM
New video up! This one is a special guest episode with @jamesfeltonkeith.bsky.social who is running for US Congress in NY's 13th district with universal basic income as a key part of his "We Owe Us" platform. Whose work trained AI? Ours did. All of us. Data is labor.
Reposted by Scott Santens
ICYMI, this is great stuff. both better designed and more comprehensive than Biden's child tax credit boost www.peoplespolicyproject.org/2025/11/20/r...
Rep. Tlaib’s Economic Dignity for All Agenda Would Bring Economic Security for Millions
The agenda would lower poverty by 42% and child poverty by two-thirds.
www.peoplespolicyproject.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:54 PM
ICYMI, this is great stuff. both better designed and more comprehensive than Biden's child tax credit boost www.peoplespolicyproject.org/2025/11/20/r...
Reposted by Scott Santens
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Scott Santens
The "VERY LONG" warning is correct, but this was interesting to look through. I knew UBI type programs were tested, but I had no idea there were so many!
(The thread starts with general info about UBI, then lists a bunch of studies/experiments.)
(The thread starts with general info about UBI, then lists a bunch of studies/experiments.)
I've been researching the idea of Unconditional Universal Basic Income since 2013. Here's a collection of findings I've compiled from various UBI experiments and studies of cash transfer programs around the world.
This will be a VERY LONG and ongoing thread focused entirely on empirical evidence. 🧵
This will be a VERY LONG and ongoing thread focused entirely on empirical evidence. 🧵
November 25, 2025 at 3:12 PM
The "VERY LONG" warning is correct, but this was interesting to look through. I knew UBI type programs were tested, but I had no idea there were so many!
(The thread starts with general info about UBI, then lists a bunch of studies/experiments.)
(The thread starts with general info about UBI, then lists a bunch of studies/experiments.)
Reposted by Scott Santens
People keep saying “everyone must work,” as if the economy obeys slogans.
But mass psychology doesn’t work like that.
When the public feels cornered, society becomes volatile.
UBI is not about generosity.
It’s about keeping a nation of 330 million people from hitting the breaking point.
But mass psychology doesn’t work like that.
When the public feels cornered, society becomes volatile.
UBI is not about generosity.
It’s about keeping a nation of 330 million people from hitting the breaking point.
November 24, 2025 at 10:32 PM
People keep saying “everyone must work,” as if the economy obeys slogans.
But mass psychology doesn’t work like that.
When the public feels cornered, society becomes volatile.
UBI is not about generosity.
It’s about keeping a nation of 330 million people from hitting the breaking point.
But mass psychology doesn’t work like that.
When the public feels cornered, society becomes volatile.
UBI is not about generosity.
It’s about keeping a nation of 330 million people from hitting the breaking point.
Reposted by Scott Santens
Just like UBI & Medicare for All would be much better uses of taxpayer dollars.
Anderson Cooper: So it's more expensive to have a chronically homeless person living on the streets than it is to actually subsidize an apartment for them?
Answer: Yes, we’re paying more as taxpayers to walk past that person on the street and do nothing… #HousingFirst
Answer: Yes, we’re paying more as taxpayers to walk past that person on the street and do nothing… #HousingFirst
100,000 Homes: Housing the homeless saves money?
Giving apartments to the chronically homeless can save taxpayer dollars, advocates say
www.cbsnews.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Just like UBI & Medicare for All would be much better uses of taxpayer dollars.
Reposted by Scott Santens
Indeed. We don't talk enough about wages and cost of living. And this is why we need a UBI
Some thoughts on income tax: People who don’t consider themselves particularly high earners - they’re middle class, maybe earning less than their peers - may feel fleeced by taxation because every pay rise is negligible impact.
November 25, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Indeed. We don't talk enough about wages and cost of living. And this is why we need a UBI
Reposted by Scott Santens
One of my “wokest” beliefs is that if you improve the standard of living, give everyone a basic income and healthcare, shelter and good public transportation, you’d have less speeding. I seriously think a lot of speeding is born from a five times removed fear of “if I lose this job, I will starve.”
Just got passed by someone on a two lane road, speed limit is 30, I’m going 30, there are at least two schools on this road and sidewalks right on the street. Lots of pedestrians and many school kids. Still dark out.
Humbly, we’re doing something wrong.
Humbly, we’re doing something wrong.
November 25, 2025 at 12:02 PM
One of my “wokest” beliefs is that if you improve the standard of living, give everyone a basic income and healthcare, shelter and good public transportation, you’d have less speeding. I seriously think a lot of speeding is born from a five times removed fear of “if I lose this job, I will starve.”
Reposted by Scott Santens
Reith Lecture of Rutger Bregman www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... includes realist utopias, UBI and tech regulation
The Reith Lectures - Rutger Bregman - Moral Revolution - 1. A Time of Monsters - BBC Sounds
Dutch historian Rutger Bregman delivers his first BBC Reith Lecture: Moral Revolution.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Reith Lecture of Rutger Bregman www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... includes realist utopias, UBI and tech regulation
"Immanuel Kant urged us to respect the value of human beings by treating them always (at the same time) as ends in themselves and never (merely) as means to ends other than themselves... A universal basic income (UBI), I contend, could be a helpful policy to this effect."
The Kantian case for UBI:
The Kantian case for UBI:
A Kantian Approach to Everything? On Life Choices and Universal Basic Income | Blog of the APA
Immanuel Kant urged us to respect the value of human beings by treating them always (at the same time) as ends in themselves and never (merely) as means to ends other than themselves. I contend it wou...
blog.apaonline.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:28 PM
"Immanuel Kant urged us to respect the value of human beings by treating them always (at the same time) as ends in themselves and never (merely) as means to ends other than themselves... A universal basic income (UBI), I contend, could be a helpful policy to this effect."
The Kantian case for UBI:
The Kantian case for UBI:
Reposted by Scott Santens
Why everyone should have a basic income.
I've yet to see a good argument against it.
youtu.be/NNHAgXy5dxQ?...
I've yet to see a good argument against it.
youtu.be/NNHAgXy5dxQ?...
Why everyone should have a basic income | Guy Standing | TEDxKlagenfurt
YouTube video by TEDx Talks
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Why everyone should have a basic income.
I've yet to see a good argument against it.
youtu.be/NNHAgXy5dxQ?...
I've yet to see a good argument against it.
youtu.be/NNHAgXy5dxQ?...
Reposted by Scott Santens
The need for a Universal Basic Income (UBI) has never been greater.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
AI could replace 3m low-skilled jobs in the UK by 2035, research finds
Trades, machine operations and administrative roles are most at-risk, says leading educational research charity
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:23 PM
The need for a Universal Basic Income (UBI) has never been greater.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Scott Santens
There are a lot of misconceptions about peoples' desire to work and to contribute.
November 25, 2025 at 1:48 PM
There are a lot of misconceptions about peoples' desire to work and to contribute.
This is also why universal basic income is such a good idea. Not only would it save money on the high costs of poverty, but it would grow GDP and reduce the costs of healthcare by reducing stress and improving physical and mental health.
To recap:
•Universal healthcare would save 68,000 lives & $450B annually
•Every $1 spent on SNAP results in $1.80 boost to local economies & small businesses
•The child tax credit decreased child poverty to a historic low of 5.2%, abolishing it increased it by 45%
1/2
•Universal healthcare would save 68,000 lives & $450B annually
•Every $1 spent on SNAP results in $1.80 boost to local economies & small businesses
•The child tax credit decreased child poverty to a historic low of 5.2%, abolishing it increased it by 45%
1/2
November 25, 2025 at 3:11 PM
This is also why universal basic income is such a good idea. Not only would it save money on the high costs of poverty, but it would grow GDP and reduce the costs of healthcare by reducing stress and improving physical and mental health.
Reposted by Scott Santens
Mass job loss makes nations unstable long before it makes them broke.
People without income turn restless.
People without direction turn dangerous.
If UBI doesn’t enter the conversation now, the conversation later will be about riots, repression, and regret.
History has already written this pattern.
People without income turn restless.
People without direction turn dangerous.
If UBI doesn’t enter the conversation now, the conversation later will be about riots, repression, and regret.
History has already written this pattern.
November 25, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Mass job loss makes nations unstable long before it makes them broke.
People without income turn restless.
People without direction turn dangerous.
If UBI doesn’t enter the conversation now, the conversation later will be about riots, repression, and regret.
History has already written this pattern.
People without income turn restless.
People without direction turn dangerous.
If UBI doesn’t enter the conversation now, the conversation later will be about riots, repression, and regret.
History has already written this pattern.
Reposted by Scott Santens
Farmers will lobby Ottawa for $50K guaranteed annual income pilot program. #cdnpoli
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/far...
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/far...
Farmers will lobby Ottawa for $50K guaranteed annual income pilot program
HALIFAX - A farmers advocacy group says it plans to lobby the federal government for a guaranteed annual income of $50,000.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 25, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Farmers will lobby Ottawa for $50K guaranteed annual income pilot program. #cdnpoli
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/far...
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/far...
Reposted by Scott Santens
Woke up this morning fantasizing about UBI and healthcare for all. Anyone who says this isn’t possible is benefitting from the fact that it isn’t.
November 25, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Woke up this morning fantasizing about UBI and healthcare for all. Anyone who says this isn’t possible is benefitting from the fact that it isn’t.
Reposted by Scott Santens
Time to Introduce Universal Basic Income
the ONLY Solution to AI's Disruption of EVERYTHING
the ONLY Solution to AI's Disruption of EVERYTHING
When such a big percentage of GDP is being propped up by AI companies and their investors, that means that a tiny handful of people getting fabulously wealthy are accounting for the bulk of the economic benefits while everyone else is getting screwed. That’s Trump’s economy.
November 24, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Time to Introduce Universal Basic Income
the ONLY Solution to AI's Disruption of EVERYTHING
the ONLY Solution to AI's Disruption of EVERYTHING
Reposted by Scott Santens
I started a new blog to educate folks in Washington on the power and importance of land taxes, and to advocate for changes along those lines across the state. Please follow if you have a Substack! #lvt #ubi #seattle #washington #landreform
Beginning a "Share the Rent" campaign in Washington state
The solution to poverty is right under our feet.
open.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:11 PM
I started a new blog to educate folks in Washington on the power and importance of land taxes, and to advocate for changes along those lines across the state. Please follow if you have a Substack! #lvt #ubi #seattle #washington #landreform
Reposted by Scott Santens
Big believer in the right to die but had a turnaround there seeing how was being used in Canada. Not until we have healthcare for all and UBI that is more than mere survival level support is my position now.
November 24, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Big believer in the right to die but had a turnaround there seeing how was being used in Canada. Not until we have healthcare for all and UBI that is more than mere survival level support is my position now.
Reposted by Scott Santens
If you want free or more affordable books, don't steal them - advocate for universal basic income so authors can write the damn things without having to work a day job 8-10 hours a day or subsist on Venmo money.
People who pirate books: “I just think art and literature should be FREE to everyone!”
Yes, I too would love to live in a world where art is accessible freely to all and yet artists are paid a living wage, but as this magical wagical pixie wixie land does not exist, please don’t steal from us.
Yes, I too would love to live in a world where art is accessible freely to all and yet artists are paid a living wage, but as this magical wagical pixie wixie land does not exist, please don’t steal from us.
November 24, 2025 at 6:21 PM
If you want free or more affordable books, don't steal them - advocate for universal basic income so authors can write the damn things without having to work a day job 8-10 hours a day or subsist on Venmo money.
This is a hugely important reform to make. Also, Democrats should stop excluding independents from primaries, by at the very least enabling anyone to register day-of at the polls, but preferably by switching to nonpartisan primaries where the top 4 or 5 from any party advance to an RCV general.
Democratic politicians and activists are quietly lobbying to upend the way the party picks its presidential nominee by urging the use of ranked-choice voting.
Scoop: Democrats eye ranked-choice voting for 2028 primaries
It's a tool that drew national attention when it propelled New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to a decisive primary win.
www.axios.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
This is a hugely important reform to make. Also, Democrats should stop excluding independents from primaries, by at the very least enabling anyone to register day-of at the polls, but preferably by switching to nonpartisan primaries where the top 4 or 5 from any party advance to an RCV general.
Just goes to show how they can easily come up with reasoning to support universal basic income when they want to. Yes, UBI is a dividend for shareholders. As citizens, we are all shareholders.
Also, we ALL created the capital that AI is trained on. We should all be paid a GDP dividend EVERY MONTH.
Also, we ALL created the capital that AI is trained on. We should all be paid a GDP dividend EVERY MONTH.
Tom Emmer on tariff checks to Americans: "You gotta love this president. He looks at this like a business, and when the business is doing well, the shareholders, which are the American people, should be rewarded."
November 24, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Just goes to show how they can easily come up with reasoning to support universal basic income when they want to. Yes, UBI is a dividend for shareholders. As citizens, we are all shareholders.
Also, we ALL created the capital that AI is trained on. We should all be paid a GDP dividend EVERY MONTH.
Also, we ALL created the capital that AI is trained on. We should all be paid a GDP dividend EVERY MONTH.
Reposted by Scott Santens
A good argument for UBI.
With a million young people locked out of work, the UK’s hidden jobs crisis is only growing | John Harris
Held back by Covid and then phased out by AI, Britain’s so-called Neets are desperately seeking a secure future. Who will offer them hope? asks Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:04 PM
A good argument for UBI.