Critics of universal basic income argue giving people money for nothing discourages working — but a study of Alaska’s 36-year-old program suggests that’s not the case

Critics of universal basic income argue giving people money for nothing discourages working — but a study of Alaska's 36-year-old program suggests that's not the case

The Alaska Permanent Fund is tied to oil revenues and worth $65 billion. It has made an annual check of $1,000 to $2,000 available to virtually every citizen since 1982.

The fear that giving people regular, no-strings-attached payments might discourage them from working is common among opponents of similar programs.

But research from a University of Chicago professor and University of Pennsylvania professor found that this universal basic income program increases part-time employment, creating a neutral effect on employment numbers. This article is part of Business Insider’s ongoing series on Better Capitalism . The Alaska […]

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