It’s a policy idea that sounds crazy at first, but actually begins to make sense when you consider some recent trends.
One of the trends is that work isn’t what it used to be. Many people now struggle through a 50-hour week and still don’t have enough to live on. There are many reasons for this–including the heartlessness of employers and the weakness of unions–but it’s a fact. Work no longer pays. The wages of most American workers have stagnated or declined since the 1970s. About 25% of workers (including 40% of those in restaurants and food service) now need public assistance to top up what they earn. So basic income is a good idea and needs to be supported.