# Advocates call for federal Universal Basic Income as AI threatens jobs

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-09-26T19:08:41Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/advocates-call-for-federal-universal-basic-income-as-ai-threatens-jobs

## Summary

A petition posted by Reddit AI communities on September 26, 2026 urges the United States Congress to pass a federal universal basic income (UBI) law. The petition argues that as artificial intelligence and automation reshape many occupations, a predictable monthly cash floor would help Americans cover essentials, learn new skills, start businesses, or recover from job loss. It cites existing proposals – H.R. 5830, the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act introduced by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman on October 24, 2025, and H.R. 6236, the BOOST Act introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib on November 20, 2025 – both referred to the House Ways and Means Committee but not enacted.

The request outlines six actions for Congress, including publishing a funding plan, protecting existing benefits such as Social Security and SNAP, and holding public hearings. It notes research from the International Labour Organization that AI may change job tasks but the link to actual job losses remains uncertain, underscoring the need for proactive policy. The petition aims for 100,000 signatures to demonstrate public support for a national UBI tied to AI-driven productivity gains.

## Key points

- Petition urges Congress to enact federal universal basic income amid AI-driven job changes.
- References H.R. 5830 and H.R. 6236 bills, both introduced in 2025 and pending committee referral.
- Calls for funding plan, benefit protections, and public hearings on AI’s economic impact.

## Why it matters

A federal UBI could cushion workers as AI automation reshapes employment, influencing policy debates on income security and technology’s societal benefits.

## Sources

1. [We need Universal Basic Income before losing your job to AI becomes your financial emergency](https://change.org/p/ai-should-benefit-everyone-establish-federal-universal-basic-income) (change.org, 2026-09-26)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Advocates call for federal Universal Basic Income as AI threatens jobs", 26 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/advocates-call-for-federal-universal-basic-income-as-ai-threatens-jobs

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