It’s Basic

As America teeters on the brink of economic instability and disparity, what if there was a way to meet every citizen’s financial needs? Join filmmaker Marc Levin as he chronicles the innovation and implementation of much-needed Universal Basic Incomes (UBIs).“Cash is king,” as they say, and with over 60% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, even a little more goes a long way. When COVID-19 forced many individuals out of work, Mayor Melvin Carter of St. Paul, Minnesota enacted a temporary program that provided $500 a month to 150 struggling families. While the amount may not have covered rent, in some cases it meant being able to keep food on the table. The idea of providing all Americans a guaranteed income to ensure they can cover their families’ basic needs has been shared by leaders from both sides of the aisle for decades. Yet hostile political agendas and negative optics have skewed the concept’s perception over time. Now, with more than 100 cities piloting similar programs, IT’S BASIC reveals the transformative impact of these dollars in the pockets of hard-working citizens and the catalyst for long-term financial stability. —A.B. GUEST(S) IN ATTENDANCE