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.
However, the “Oregon People’s Rebate” proposal is meeting with stiff bipartisan resistance from elected officials and pushback from the business community.
Hellbound and Down 