HEALTH & RECOVERY
Corey Broaches Universal Basic Income For Relief
Speaker looks to $12 billion in temporary relief, probably above DC’s help, backed by bonds
BY ROBERT POZARYCKI &
PAUL SCHINDLER
Given the enormous economic challenges
suddenly facing New York
City in the wake of the growing coronavirus
pandemic, the solution to
the fi nancial malady might be a universal basic
income (UBI) for every New Yorker, according to
out gay City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, a
Chelsea Democrat.
The speaker, on Thursday, unveiled a relief
plan, estimated to cost $12 billion over six
months, that includes an array of fi nancial assistance
measures for businesses and residents
of the fi ve boroughs. One of the key parts of the
plan would be the creation of a temporary UBI
under which every adult resident would receive
$550 a month, and every child would get $275
per month.
The concept bears similarities to a program
that former Democratic presidential candidate
Andrew Yang had campaigned on during his
run for the White House this year. However, the
UBI plan for New York would be a temporary
fi x, with Johnson estimating it would last about
six months.
Johnson’s relief plan also calls for various fi -
nancial programs to help struggling businesses,
including fee deferments and business tax
refunds, as well as interest-free loans of up to
$250,000 per business to cover fi xed costs like
rent, utilities, and insurance. Unemployment
DONNA ACETO
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson announced a bold economic
recovery program in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
protections for freelance workers and members
of the gig economy would also be included.
More than 40,000 businesses and over
500,000 New York workers are estimated to
have been impacted so far by the outbreak’s
economic repercussions, largely due to the
shuttering of restaurants, bars, theaters and
cinemas, and retail shops to slow the contagion
risk. Johnson said the affected businesses
produced $40 billion in sales last year, and are
now struggling mightily.
“The diffi cult steps we’ve taken to protect
ourselves and others are necessary, including
social distancing and mandatory closures,
but they are devastating our businesses and
workers in every corner of the city,” the speaker
said. “The hospitality industry has been the
most high-profi le industry impacted, but gyms,
performance venues, salons, retail shops, and
many other types of businesses are shuttering
or close to it. This plan will provide relief
not just for our economy, but also for the small
businesses and workers that are the heart and
soul of New York City.”
How would this $12 billion relief program be
paid for? Johnson hopes the federal government
would fund it as part of its national relief
efforts, though his announcement also noted
that given the high cost of living here additional
income support is necessary for New Yorkers
above and beyond what is currently being discussed
in Washington. Since it is unlikely that
the federal government would provide any supplemental
support for communities with a high
cost of living, Johnson’s proposal — should the
need for supplementing any Trump administration
universal income program be viewed as
necessary — would probably require the issuance
of what Johnson is terming “relief bonds.”
The speaker’s announcement noted that similar
recovery bonds were issued after 9/11. Regarding
the revenue to back the bonds, Johnson
recommended a variety of temporary measures,
including a payroll tax on the wealthiest corporations,
a surcharge on high-end commercial
property sales, and an tax increase on New York
City residents making $500,000 or more.
In COVID’s Grip, NY Reopens Obamacare Enrollment
Offi cials aim to bolster coverage, encourage sick to get care during coronavirus crisis
BY MATT TRACY
In an effort to beef up healthcare coverage
in response to COVD-19, some northeastern
states — including New York and
Connecticut — have launched special
Obamacare enrollment periods.
New York State offi cials said they moved
ahead with the plans in order to ensure that
folks in the state would not avoid seeking healthcare
due to costs. Governor Andrew Cuomo has
waived cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and
the US Senate approved a measure to make
testing free nationwide, though such tests remain
frustratingly scarce despite reassurances
that larger waves of tests are forthcoming.
“With a pandemic spreading through the
US, it’s important to ensure that healthcare is
available to everyone who needs it,” said Donna
Frescatore, the executive director of New York
State of Health, which is the state’s healthcare
exchange. “This special enrollment period will
provide New Yorkers with another opportunity
to sign up for high-quality, affordable health insurance.”
The original enrollment period in New York
concluded on February 7. The special enrollment
period in New York is already in effect and
will last until April 15, and coverage for new enrollees
goes into effect on April 1. The state also
reminded residents that those who are eligible
REUTERS/ MARK VERGARI/ THE JOURNAL NEWS/ USA TODAY for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, and Child
Governor Andrew Cuomo in suburban New Rochelle on March 13 as
the state opened its fi rst coronavirus mobile testing center.
➤ OBAMACARE ENROLLMENT, continued on p.12
March 25 – April 08, 2 10 020 | GayCityNews.com
/GayCityNews.com
