The idea of using cash instead of vouchers has gotten a boost from successful pandemic aid programs, as well as from dozens of basic income experiments around the country. Philadelphia is already testing this, giving cash directly to 300 renters. The federal government is now exploring that on a far bigger scale.
He says a key goal of cash is getting people housed faster. So one big challenge will be how to carry out inspections without slowing down the lease process. One option could be a self-inspection.
“We might have a checklist and say ‘these are the things I’m looking for.’ It may be that I move in with cash and then after I’ve moved in, the agency comes and does an inspection,” McCabe says. And maybe that inspection is done remotely over video.
How about this:
- convert Social Security to a negative income tax for those under 45 (those over 45 get SS as per normal, unless they opt-out)
- no SS benefits for those making >100k in retirement
- optionally get this as a monthly check based on prior year’s income tax
I feel like this would solve so many problems. And since it’s not UBI, it doesn’t have the same sticker shock and we can probably get away with keeping the SS tax where it is.
Giving people vouchers would just result in landlords raising rents and increasing profits. Cash is king, and if people already have housing (i.e. living with friends/family), they could use this cash for other necessities. There’s no reason to get some random agency involved, just let people pick their own housing…
If only we had like, universal vouchers, that all retailers accept and exchange for goods and services!
No new money allocated, urging others to experiment and report back, years to research.
