Hi John xxxxxx, After months of talking to thousands of families and policy experts, I've decided to propose what I believe will help address our most pressing issues. I propose a Universal Basic Income (UBI) of $1,000 per month for every adult over 18. While this is certainly a big idea, it actually isn't new. Here are quotes from some people you may know: "The solution to poverty is to abolish it directly by a now widely discussed measure: the guaranteed income" — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "In the future, physical work will be a choice. This is why I think long term there will need to be a universal basic income" — Elon Musk Some might perceive this as "free money," but I think of it as a strategic investment. An investment that studies have shown could stimulate our economy, reduce crime, improve mental health, reduce personal debt, foster entrepreneurship and so much more. As you can imagine, $1,000 per month could be life-changing for many, but let's address one fundamental question. "How will the government pay for it?" It's simple: Land, wealth, and robots. |
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Since we're already on the topic of money, let's start with wealth. |
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I believe in capitalism, hell, I've been an entrepreneur all my life. But I also believe that those who have achieved incredible wealth from our communities should contribute back to those communities. That's why my UBI plan includes a wealth tax, similar to Elizabeth Warren's Ultra Millionaire Tax plan. Households with wealth over $1 billion will pay 3% to help fund UBI. A UBI will ultimately put money back into people's pockets to spend right back into the economy. It's a win-win. |
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Now, let's talk about land (and affordable housing). |
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Look at all of this land. California has a wealth of unused land that's just waiting to be put to better use. My UBI plan includes a Land Value Tax (LVT) that will encourage landowners to build; specifically more residential properties. This strategy will expand the supply of housing and help to reduce the cost of rent. It will also create more jobs nearby, so that people won't have to travel as far to work. LVT isn't a property tax. Therefore, rest assured, homeowners, farmers, essential businesses, and producers like our great vineyards will be exempt from paying an LVT. So, yes, you'll still enjoy your California wine as usual 🍷 |
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Finally, let's confront the robots. |
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I've been an A.I. developer for over 10 years. I understand this technology very well, probably better than anyone in Congress today. For years, we've been training artificial intelligence with our data. Isn't it about time we received compensation for it? My UBI plan will implement a 'robot tax', or as I prefer to call it, an 'A.I. dividend'. By taxing the use of A.I. and robotics in corporations, we can ensure that the economic benefits of technological advancement are shared by all, not reserved for the few. Considering the rise of A.I. automating millions of jobs in the future, it's crucial that these robots work for us, not against us. |
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These three elements can generate billions per year, providing the necessary funding for our UBI initiative - a plan that will serve as a lifeline for millions today and in the future. I'll be sharing more details, including a comprehensive FAQ, in the near future. In the meantime, I wanted you to be one of the first to know that I am making it a top priority. However, to turn this vision into reality, I really need your help. I'm not accepting money from just anyone to fund my campaign. I will only accept donations from people and organizations that support the same values as I do. I am running to invest in you, literally. Believe it or not, every dollar adds up. So, any support will go a long way, even if it's just 10 bucks. Can you chip in $10 today? |
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