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X-Factor started a thread similar to this a little while back. Here was my post there:
I've actually been intrigued by this idea for a while with the caveat that any other entitlement/aid/welfare programs are then revoked and unable to occur along side this. This would likely need to be done via an amendment process, so would likely be impossible. However, by doing it as an amendment you'd also be able to tie it to a good indicator from the start that could not then be used as a means of "buying votes" by trying to pus hit up again in the future.
From various things I've seen over the years, going towards a UBI would actually be a savings compared to our current system of various types of welfare and aid. Additionally, it creates a system that doesn't simply benefit those that don't work, thus incentivizing to a degree that kind of behavior.
For example, lets say it's tied to poverty level. Right now, that'd mean the UBI would be $11,770. Let's say if you're in the 25% tax bracket or above, you receive half of the UBI, otherwise you get the full amount. The cost for this across all adults would be $2.70 Trillion. The current cost for all of our entitlement/welfare spending is $2.68 trillion. I think that short fall could be found through other cuts. Not only would it be minimally impactful in terms of cost, but it would shrink the size and scope of government as well which would have more long term benefits.
Undoubtedly, it all comes down to HOW it's handled, but in theory I'm not opposed to a UBI in all cases.