Basic Income Earth

It’s happening! The countdown to the 2026 BIEN Congress, landing in Philadelphia 27–29 July, has officially begun.

A new opinion piece suggests long working hours, financial insecurity, and the pressures of modern life leave many people with little time or energy for creativity, community, or critical thinking. A UBI is necessary for people to live more meaningful liveshttps://zurl.co/3cJlP

Two rural Colorado counties are joining a new research project exploring the impact of direct cash on financial stability. Eligible households in Huerfano and Las Animas counties will receive a one-time payment of $13,000 as part of a 2.5-year study.zurl.co/4Ompe

A universal basic income could dramatically reduce poverty and narrow inequality. One proposed UK model suggests £75/week for adults, £50/week per child, and £205/week for pensioners could halve child and pensioner poverty, working-age poverty by 75% zurl.co/8dENv

The Magnolia Mother's Trust in Mississippi is the longest-running guaranteed income program in the U.S., providing $1,000 to single black mothers, helping them afford essentials, reduce stress, care for their children, and build stable futures.zurl.co/UiwkP

Spain's Minimum Basic Income (Ingreso Mínimo Vital) show that 70% of beneficiary households include children. In comparison, 68% of primary recipients are women, highlighting the programme's role in reducing child poverty and supporting vulnerable familieshttps://zurl.co/JZWpR

Basic Income Guarantee is not just an economic policy, but a way to recognise and support the essential work of caregiving. Many people leave or reduce paid employment to care for children, older adults, or loved ones with disabilities, work that goes unpaidhttps://zurl.co/6Myt1

The European Union has taken a step toward considering a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) calling for an unconditional basic income, amid the impact of AI and automation on jobs, allowing campaigners to begin collecting signatures across EU member stateshttps://zurl.co/S17Qg

Two local governments in North Carolina are testing whether guaranteed income can help people successfully rebuild their lives after incarceration. Participants are using funds to cover essential basic needs as they transition back into their communities. zurl.co/1creV

TIME author Gene Sperling states that policymakers should also invest in what he calls "double-dignity jobs" roles that both provide workers with dignified employment and enable them to care for and support others, particularly in healthcare and education.zurl.co/CAzSG

Our July newsletter is out! This edition covers a new global roadmap for eradicating poverty, the Bootstraps UBI docuseries heading to streaming in 2026, and Comingle's community-funded UBI platform now in beta. Join our network and subscribe here: zurl.co/rm8i4

Universal Basic Income is a foundation for economic security and social cohesion. This article shows that it could free people from the fear of poverty, strengthen the economy, and create a fairer social contract by providing a guaranteed income floor. zurl.co/SoyIE

New research from George Mason University found that unrestricted cash payments gave working families greater financial stability and, in some cases, improved economic mobility, especially when paired with community support services. zurl.co/9uexD

A new book by Swampscott resident Richard Frenkel makes the case for a universal basic income in the age of automation. The book “Shares in America” argues that UBI offers a practical response to today's economic challenges. zurl.co/sihSy

Is Universal Basic Income an economic lifeline or a dependency trap? An opinion piece examines one of the most enduring debates around UBI, weighing concerns about work incentives and fiscal sustainability against evidence from various pilots around the worldhttps://zurl.co/8jMPp

A rural basic income pilot in Yeoncheon County, South Korea, is showing encouraging early results. According to newly released data, the programme has been associated with population growth, increased local spending, and higher birth rates. zurl.co/XXEel

The Marshall Islands is demonstrating how UBI can be part of a broader strategy to tackle poverty, climate vulnerability, and economic insecurity. The countries' ENRA programme aims to reduce poverty, ease the cost of living, and slow outward migration. zurl.co/0bKYY

A new feature in Wicked Leeks looks into the case for a Basic Income for Farmers, arguing that guaranteed monthly payments could help small-scale growers overcome financial insecurity, strengthen local food systems, and improve national food security. zurl.co/ipWiq

Albuquerque is expanding its Guaranteed Income Initiative aimed at reducing crime and supporting people recovering from substance use. The city will provide $750 per month for three years to participants, pairing payments with access to support services.zurl.co/8sM70

Does AI strengthen the case for Universal Basic Income? An article from Canadian Affairs highlights that early signs of disruption are emerging, particularly for younger workers entering fields such as software development, accounting, and graphic design. zurl.co/MNqX5

Results from the UpLift pilot, which provided $500 per month for two years to low-income working families, found participants used the income to pursue education, secure more reliable transportation, reduce food insecurity, and improve financial stability zurl.co/d6STa