Would giving money to Americans better meet the needs of individuals and their families—needs that the labor market too often fails to provide? Two experts take this progressive plan on with CNN moderator.
A pair of experts will go toe-to-toe at NYU Wagner on Wednesday, Dec. 19 -- debating whether a universal basic income would be a better way to reduce inequality than a federal jobs guarantee.
The free public event, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service (295 Lafayette St., at the corner of Houston, 2nd Fl., New York, N.Y.) marks another in its “Debates of the Century @ NYU Wagner.” The series is co-sponsored with The Century Foundation.
The debate is timely. Bold, progressive economic ideas are having a moment. At a time of record inequality in America, more and more people are looking to proposals that would give much needed help to working families, strengthen the middle class, and mitigate the potential impacts of technology and automation.
But which is better? Would giving money to Americans better meet the needs of individuals and their families—needs that the labor market too often fails to provide? Or should the federal government instead guarantee a decent-paying job to everyone—lowering unemployment along the way?
The presenters on each side of the question will be: Ioana Marinescu, assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania, arguing in support of UBI; and Darrick Hamilton, professor of economics at the New School, making the case for a jobs guarantee.
Lydia DePillis, senior economics writer at CNN, will moderate the debate.
NYU Wagner provides reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Requests for accommodations for events and services should be submitted at least two weeks before the date of the accommodation need. Please email wagner.events@nyu.edu or call 212.998.7400 for assistance.
Media coverage is welcome.