The concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI), while not new, gained significant traction following the COVID-19 pandemic and the distribution of stimulus checks. Tech leaders like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, along with 2020 presidential candidate Andrew Yang, advocated for UBI, citing automation's impact on jobs and income inequality. The success of stimulus checks inspired local and state-level pilot programs of guaranteed basic income (GBI).
Despite positive outcomes from GBI programs, where participants reported improved living conditions, opposition remains strong, particularly from Republicans. Critics cite the programs' costs, potential disincentive to work, and what they deem as socialist policies. Several states have seen legislative efforts to ban GBI programs. Lawsuits have challenged the legality of programs targeting specific demographics, raising concerns about equal protection.