Getting to UBI
Here are the goals that we need to work towards
Getting to Shares Step by Step: Our Goals
Shares in America proposes a simple but ambitious vision: an economy in which the prosperity created by modern technology and productivity benefits everyone.
The United States is one of the richest societies in history, yet millions of people live with economic insecurity while wealth and income become increasingly concentrated. This is not simply the result of technology or globalization—it is also the result of political choices.
Achieving a more broadly shared prosperity requires progress in three areas. These goals reinforce one another and together create the conditions necessary for lasting economic security.
STEP 01
Money Out of Politics
A healthy democracy requires that government represent the interests of the public as a whole. Today, however, political influence is heavily shaped by wealth.
Large campaign contributions, independent expenditures, and well-funded lobbying organizations allow wealthy individuals and major corporations to exert disproportionate influence over policy. When political power tracks economic power, policies tend to favor those who already have the most wealth.
Reducing the influence of money in politics—through campaign finance reform, stronger disclosure rules, and other democratic reforms—is essential if public policy is to reflect the interests of the majority of Americans rather than a small economic elite.
STEP 02
Tax the Rich
Over the past several decades, income and wealth inequality in the United States have risen sharply. A growing share of national income flows to the top while the majority of households have seen far slower gains.
A fair and effective tax system is one of the most important tools for addressing this imbalance. Historically, progressive taxation has helped fund public investments, support social insurance programs, and reduce extreme concentrations of wealth.
Ensuring that the richest individuals and corporations pay their fair share is not only a matter of fairness—it is also necessary to sustain democratic institutions and to fund policies that benefit society as a whole.
STEP 03
Shares in America (Universal Basic Income)
The ultimate goal is a system that guarantees every American a direct share of the nation’s prosperity.
Shares in America proposes a basic universal dividend: a regular payment made to every adult citizen, without means testing or work requirements. This income would provide a foundation of economic security while preserving incentives to work, innovate, and invest.
Unlike traditional welfare programs that target only the poorest households, a universal system gives everyone a stake in the nation’s productivity. As technology and automation continue to increase output, an income dividend ensures that the benefits of that progress are shared broadly.
Why These Goals Are Connected
These three goals reinforce one another.
When money dominates politics, policies tend to protect concentrated wealth. That makes it difficult to enact fair taxation or policies that benefit the broader population.
A fairer tax system helps reduce inequality and provides the resources needed to support a universal income.
And a modest income dividend — Shares in America—ensures that the prosperity created by the modern economy is shared by all.
Together, these reforms can help restore the promise that economic progress should improve the lives of everyone, not just a fortunate few.