Requesting Your thoughts on PEI Autistic Adults drafting a letter in support of Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) /Guaranteed Livable Basic Income (GLBI)

Warm summertime greetings to you! I hope you are managing the summer alright thus far, maybe even enjoying something of the season's good offerings.

I know I personally have less "spoons" for anything extra in the busyness of summer combined with the heat but I am wondering if anyone has the spoons to read this post/comment on it? Even a simple "like" here would give me some indication that others think I should go ahead with this...Regardless, I will likely proceed with drafting a statement as I find time and energy to do so. As always, I wish you wellness and ease!

The query:

I am wondering what your thoughts might be on creating a statement for all four MP's and our MLA's from PEI Autistic Adults urging for the implementation of a Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) / Guaranteed Livable Basic Income (GLBI)?

There have been some letters published in a local newspaper recently by some advocate women I know urging Islanders to reach out to their MP's to put the pressure on them for getting a basic income demonstration project going here.

"Imagine how much more secure and resilient our communities and our province would be if everyone had their basic needs met through a guaranteed income, and if everyone had the opportunity to flourish. We have the research; we have the evidence; we have the means: basic income guarantee. We all have a role in creating a secure society: speak to your MLA and your MP — they know about the P.E.I. BIG proposal; you might want to remind them."

Susan Hartley, PhD (psychology) is a global peace scholar who lives in Georgetown Royalty, P.E.I., and is a member of the P.E.I. Working Group for a Liveable Income. This is the second article in a series of commentaries prepared by members of the working group. The first was published June 9. this excerpt is from PEI Citizens' Alliance newsletter

I personally think it could greatly help members of our community who may be unemployed/underemployed and not well supported financially. Its purpose is to not replace other supports such as disability rather (its design is) to ensure that no one lives in extreme poverty. It hopes to see that people are supported in having agency to get out of poverty by restoring dignity through financial empowerment. It is universal in its accessibility based on income which means it is intended to be easily accessible-- based on need-- versus universal basic income such as the one in Alaska--which is a shared wealth dividend which everyone receives.

The basic income we are advocating for here is often referred to as a guaranteed livable basic income (GLBI) or basic income guarantee (BIG) and not the universal basic income (UBI) which would go to everyone and is a lesser amount. GLBI/BIG is needs based and very similar in scope and delivery to federal benefit some families and seniors and disable persons receive.

Design of a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income: Beyond basic parameters that GLBI be accessible to all in need over 17, sufficient to live on including in remote communities, free from work requirements and other conditions, and that it work alongside—rather than replace—other essential services and supports, the bill does not prescribe a particular design or model of GLBI, recognizing the importance of getting design questions right through collaboration of governments, experts and communities." "Senate Public Bill Overview – Senator Pate – Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Framework

Bill Title: National Framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Act

Also from one of GLBI's greatest advocates, Senator Kim Pate:

Instead of mimicking existing systems like social assistance schemes that police recipients and keep people in poverty and on the brink of crisis by providing too little to survive, guaranteed livable basic income would support equality, choice and dignity. It would aim to reach those most in need, allow people to rebound out of poverty and participate in society without the spectre of being left homeless or with no support. https://senpate.sencanada.ca/en/current-work/s-206/#:~:text=The%20bills%20call%20on%20the,17%20years%20and%20in%20need.

Thanks for making it this far.

Cheers and talk again soon!

Jill