Universal Basic Income sounds like sci-fi, but it’s creeping into real policy talks—even here in Maryland. Howard County just launched a pilot, and others are watching closely.
The reason? AI. Robots don’t need sleep, and ChatGPT doesn’t take lunch breaks. As automation speeds up, millions of jobs could vanish. But AI is also expected to create staggering wealth. Governments could tax the companies cashing in and recycle that revenue back to people.
Imagine a world where paying rent or buying groceries doesn’t depend on juggling three jobs. That’s the idea: stability first, then space to retrain, dream, and build. Work won’t vanish, but survival won’t hinge on a paycheck. With AI creeping into every corner of our economy, UBI isn’t just theory—it’s a conversation Maryland can’t afford to ignore.
