Andrew Yang, Former Democratic Candidate For The Presidency, Is Now Running To Become Mayor Of New York City And Plans To Give New Yorkers Free Money

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang  announced that he’s running to become the next New York City mayor. In a pinned tweet, Yang wrote, “I moved to New York City 25 years ago. I came of age, fell in love, and became a father here. Seeing our City in so much pain breaks my heart.” He added, “Let’s fight for a future New York City that we can be proud of—together.”

Yang’s candidacy is largely based on proposing a basic income program for the city’s poorest. This is similar to the theme of his former presidential campaign—universal basic income (UBI). UBI is a concept that Yang enthusiastically championed. He contends that the U.S. economy is changing at lightspeed and will be dominated by technology, artificial intelligence and robotics. 

Without having the appropriate skills, millions of Americans will likely be displaced, Yang claims. He feels they’ll have great difficulties finding a new job. For many Americans, it may be impossible for them to procure meaningful, well-paying jobs in the new age. 

To help out and ensure that people don’t become destitute, UBI would provide a cushion of steady money to rely upon. “We will launch the largest basic income program in the history of the country,” Yang stated. “We will lift hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers out of extreme poverty, putting cash relief directly into the hands of the families who desperately need help right now.”

Yang will start with a slow rollout with only a small portion of New Yorkers. He’d provide about 500,000 New Yorkers “who are living in extreme poverty with an average of $2,000 per year.”

If successful, the campaign will grow. He anticipates that over time “it will receive more funding from public and philanthropic organizations.” 

Yang seems to be a likable, authentic person who wants to help people and our country. The only question I have is this: Yang is always referred to as a “successful entrepreneur.” However, I haven’t found any evidence to support this claim. I’m not suggesting that he’s pumping up his résumé, but it’s just weird that Yang has never referenced his specific, successful entrepreneurial endeavors.