Scott Santens
@scottsantens.com
Unconditional / Universal Basic Income (UBI) knowledge resource
Founder & CEO of UBI-focused nonprofit ITSAfoundation.org
Host of The Basic Income Show youtube.com/scottsantens
My #UBI FAQ: scottsantens.com
Contact me: linktr.ee/scottsantens
Founder & CEO of UBI-focused nonprofit ITSAfoundation.org
Host of The Basic Income Show youtube.com/scottsantens
My #UBI FAQ: scottsantens.com
Contact me: linktr.ee/scottsantens
Pinned
Scott Santens
@scottsantens.com
· Dec 5
I've been researching the idea of Unconditional Universal Basic Income since 2013. Here's a collection of findings I've compiled from various UBI experiments and studies of cash transfer programs around the world.
This will be a VERY LONG and ongoing thread focused entirely on empirical evidence. 🧵
This will be a VERY LONG and ongoing thread focused entirely on empirical evidence. 🧵
Reposted by Scott Santens
Centrist Democrats in the Senate folded on the shutdown, throwing away their leverage in exchange for worthless GOP promises.
When will they learn that there is no center between a government of oligarchs and a government of the people? https://youtu.be/EQzG_TrhyrY?si=LBXGJad9NjGyBGBo
When will they learn that there is no center between a government of oligarchs and a government of the people? https://youtu.be/EQzG_TrhyrY?si=LBXGJad9NjGyBGBo
The Failures of “Centrism”
Robert Reich
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Centrist Democrats in the Senate folded on the shutdown, throwing away their leverage in exchange for worthless GOP promises.
When will they learn that there is no center between a government of oligarchs and a government of the people? https://youtu.be/EQzG_TrhyrY?si=LBXGJad9NjGyBGBo
When will they learn that there is no center between a government of oligarchs and a government of the people? https://youtu.be/EQzG_TrhyrY?si=LBXGJad9NjGyBGBo
Reposted by Scott Santens
And again, CALL THOSE SENATORS. Keep up the pressure. Comment. Email. Raise fucking hell because otherwise they don’t listen.
NOTE:
(1/3) This handshake deal is for a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would extend government funding only through 1/30/26, with a "minibus" of three full-year appropriations bills that would fund specific programs/agencies, including SNAP benefits, through 9/30/26.
(1/3) This handshake deal is for a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would extend government funding only through 1/30/26, with a "minibus" of three full-year appropriations bills that would fund specific programs/agencies, including SNAP benefits, through 9/30/26.
November 10, 2025 at 3:56 PM
And again, CALL THOSE SENATORS. Keep up the pressure. Comment. Email. Raise fucking hell because otherwise they don’t listen.
Reposted by Scott Santens
Of course these pardons are really about signaling to members of the current administration that are criming, “keep going, i got you”
November 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Of course these pardons are really about signaling to members of the current administration that are criming, “keep going, i got you”
Reposted by Scott Santens
Because voting "no" while letting others vote "yes" is strategic misdirection that lets Democrats fold every hand while claiming that only some of them fold some hands.
No more tricks. Clear the decks. Put in a new batch.
No more tricks. Clear the decks. Put in a new batch.
November 10, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Because voting "no" while letting others vote "yes" is strategic misdirection that lets Democrats fold every hand while claiming that only some of them fold some hands.
No more tricks. Clear the decks. Put in a new batch.
No more tricks. Clear the decks. Put in a new batch.
Reposted by Scott Santens
America’s chickenshit elites problem continues to be the biggest obstacle to fighting Trump www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
November 10, 2025 at 3:25 PM
America’s chickenshit elites problem continues to be the biggest obstacle to fighting Trump www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Reposted by Scott Santens
how do we keep losing against this guy (the answer is we need new leadership)
Trump to air traffic controllers: "For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK"
November 10, 2025 at 3:43 PM
how do we keep losing against this guy (the answer is we need new leadership)
Reposted by Scott Santens
Think about all we could’ve done by now if only we had universal healthcare, UBI and if the Equality Act had been coded into law, along with Roe V Wade.
November 10, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Think about all we could’ve done by now if only we had universal healthcare, UBI and if the Equality Act had been coded into law, along with Roe V Wade.
Reposted by Scott Santens
So many problems would be solved by having universal healthcare, a living wage for all workers, and universal basic income, but this country insists on keeping a political system that serves the mega-rich and powerful lobbies instead of the American people.
Regardless of tonight's vote, it is absolutely insane that the richest country in the history of the world is so inept and incapable of feeding or taking care of its people. Its even more insane that half of voters keep choosing this.
November 10, 2025 at 6:34 AM
So many problems would be solved by having universal healthcare, a living wage for all workers, and universal basic income, but this country insists on keeping a political system that serves the mega-rich and powerful lobbies instead of the American people.
None of the 8 senators are mine. I have no senator because I live in DC. I rely on others to do the right thing and this wasn't it. I am so angry right now. Absolutely livid. How dare you capitulate like this in a win-win situation where all you had to do was hold strong. You weaklings. YOU COWARDS.
November 10, 2025 at 3:16 PM
None of the 8 senators are mine. I have no senator because I live in DC. I rely on others to do the right thing and this wasn't it. I am so angry right now. Absolutely livid. How dare you capitulate like this in a win-win situation where all you had to do was hold strong. You weaklings. YOU COWARDS.
Reposted by Scott Santens
The filibuster is so fundamentally anti-democratic that forcing the authoritarian party to kill it so that they could keep taking health care and food away from Americans was probably the cleanest out from the damn thing, yet this Cones of Duneshire-ass opposition party loves rules more than wins.
November 10, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The filibuster is so fundamentally anti-democratic that forcing the authoritarian party to kill it so that they could keep taking health care and food away from Americans was probably the cleanest out from the damn thing, yet this Cones of Duneshire-ass opposition party loves rules more than wins.
Reposted by Scott Santens
I received this email about Democrats caving to end the shutdown from one of the SNAP recipients I spoke to:
November 10, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I received this email about Democrats caving to end the shutdown from one of the SNAP recipients I spoke to:
Reposted by Scott Santens
Yesterday, Chuck Schumer and his fellow cowards showed once again that our politicians do not serve the people; they serve their donors and themselves. This political system is broken and the leadership is out of touch. If Schumer is not immediately replaced, Dems should lose any trust that remains.
November 10, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Yesterday, Chuck Schumer and his fellow cowards showed once again that our politicians do not serve the people; they serve their donors and themselves. This political system is broken and the leadership is out of touch. If Schumer is not immediately replaced, Dems should lose any trust that remains.
Reposted by Scott Santens
Hearing from more people after this went out.
"We're all pissed. This was a lot of unnecessary stress on people and their families for nothing. And if I win the lottery tonight I absolutely will spend millions to hire people to follow these 8 Dems around for a year and make their lives miserable."
"We're all pissed. This was a lot of unnecessary stress on people and their families for nothing. And if I win the lottery tonight I absolutely will spend millions to hire people to follow these 8 Dems around for a year and make their lives miserable."
I heard from a bunch of federal employees last night and this morning. They aren't happy.
"I would rather be an actual pawn. At least pawn sacrifices are calculated and achieve something. All this for a fucking meaningless vote."
"I would rather be an actual pawn. At least pawn sacrifices are calculated and achieve something. All this for a fucking meaningless vote."
'A Slap in the Face': Federal Employees Feel Betrayed by Democrats' Shutdown Cave
"I would rather be an actual pawn. At least pawn sacrifices are calculated and achieve something."
www.gravityisgone.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Hearing from more people after this went out.
"We're all pissed. This was a lot of unnecessary stress on people and their families for nothing. And if I win the lottery tonight I absolutely will spend millions to hire people to follow these 8 Dems around for a year and make their lives miserable."
"We're all pissed. This was a lot of unnecessary stress on people and their families for nothing. And if I win the lottery tonight I absolutely will spend millions to hire people to follow these 8 Dems around for a year and make their lives miserable."
Reposted by Scott Santens
BREAKING: The Supreme Court rejects a call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide
The Supreme Court has rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 2:41 PM
BREAKING: The Supreme Court rejects a call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
The single most important bill to get passed into law to save democracy is the Fair Representation Act. We cannot continue with a 2-party system where one has no interest in democracy and the other has no interest in fighting to protect it and us. We must end winner take all and empower new parties.
The Voting System That Actually Represents Everyone
YouTube video by CGP Grey
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The single most important bill to get passed into law to save democracy is the Fair Representation Act. We cannot continue with a 2-party system where one has no interest in democracy and the other has no interest in fighting to protect it and us. We must end winner take all and empower new parties.
Reposted by Scott Santens
I was the guest who "flat out" last night on MSNBC said this has to be the end of Chuck Schumer as Democratic leader of the Senate. We were on live when news of the deal broke and how Schumer barely was part of the talks and he could not hold the Democrats together.
November 10, 2025 at 12:35 PM
I was the guest who "flat out" last night on MSNBC said this has to be the end of Chuck Schumer as Democratic leader of the Senate. We were on live when news of the deal broke and how Schumer barely was part of the talks and he could not hold the Democrats together.
Reposted by Scott Santens
We need to be protesting at Tim Kaine’s offices and House this week!
We need to be protesting in front of Jean Sheen’s house and office.
The Dems need to know this will NOT be accepted or forgiven, and they will ALL pay the price, because we know a team betrayal when we see one!
We need to
We need to be protesting in front of Jean Sheen’s house and office.
The Dems need to know this will NOT be accepted or forgiven, and they will ALL pay the price, because we know a team betrayal when we see one!
We need to
November 10, 2025 at 12:40 PM
We need to be protesting at Tim Kaine’s offices and House this week!
We need to be protesting in front of Jean Sheen’s house and office.
The Dems need to know this will NOT be accepted or forgiven, and they will ALL pay the price, because we know a team betrayal when we see one!
We need to
We need to be protesting in front of Jean Sheen’s house and office.
The Dems need to know this will NOT be accepted or forgiven, and they will ALL pay the price, because we know a team betrayal when we see one!
We need to
Reposted by Scott Santens
This deal to reopen the government is fucking disgraceful.
Tens of millions will lose their healthcare. Trump will be emboldened.
This is exactly what’s wrong with Democratic Party leadership and why we need more people in Congress who will actually hold the line.
Tens of millions will lose their healthcare. Trump will be emboldened.
This is exactly what’s wrong with Democratic Party leadership and why we need more people in Congress who will actually hold the line.
November 10, 2025 at 12:43 PM
This deal to reopen the government is fucking disgraceful.
Tens of millions will lose their healthcare. Trump will be emboldened.
This is exactly what’s wrong with Democratic Party leadership and why we need more people in Congress who will actually hold the line.
Tens of millions will lose their healthcare. Trump will be emboldened.
This is exactly what’s wrong with Democratic Party leadership and why we need more people in Congress who will actually hold the line.
Reposted by Scott Santens
The thing @schumer.senate.gov appears to be doing where he gets everybody who’s retiring or was just sworn in to a six-year term to vote yes so he and a bunch more moderates can vote “no” to appear more progressive than they are is so insulting lol
November 10, 2025 at 1:11 PM
The thing @schumer.senate.gov appears to be doing where he gets everybody who’s retiring or was just sworn in to a six-year term to vote yes so he and a bunch more moderates can vote “no” to appear more progressive than they are is so insulting lol
Reposted by Scott Santens
81% of the Democratic base in a poll last week said Congress should “refuse to approve a budget unless it includes extending these tax credits, even if it means the government remains shut down.” But even 81% of the Dem base is not enough to get all Senate Democrats on board. #Pathetic
November 10, 2025 at 12:47 PM
81% of the Democratic base in a poll last week said Congress should “refuse to approve a budget unless it includes extending these tax credits, even if it means the government remains shut down.” But even 81% of the Dem base is not enough to get all Senate Democrats on board. #Pathetic
Reposted by Scott Santens
One of two things is true:
1. Chuck Schumer genuinely felt this is a bad deal, so he voted against it, but he couldn't keep Senate Dems in line because he's a lackluster leader.
OR
2. Chuck Schumer orchestrated the shutdown deal w/ retiring Dems because he's a bad strategist and got rattled.
1. Chuck Schumer genuinely felt this is a bad deal, so he voted against it, but he couldn't keep Senate Dems in line because he's a lackluster leader.
OR
2. Chuck Schumer orchestrated the shutdown deal w/ retiring Dems because he's a bad strategist and got rattled.
November 10, 2025 at 12:57 PM
One of two things is true:
1. Chuck Schumer genuinely felt this is a bad deal, so he voted against it, but he couldn't keep Senate Dems in line because he's a lackluster leader.
OR
2. Chuck Schumer orchestrated the shutdown deal w/ retiring Dems because he's a bad strategist and got rattled.
1. Chuck Schumer genuinely felt this is a bad deal, so he voted against it, but he couldn't keep Senate Dems in line because he's a lackluster leader.
OR
2. Chuck Schumer orchestrated the shutdown deal w/ retiring Dems because he's a bad strategist and got rattled.
Reposted by Scott Santens
This coward needs to be gone and every single one who agrees with him
MSNBC reported Schumer's office felt that the longer that shutdown went on, the more likely it was that people would start to blame the Dems.
My kingdom for Democrats that don't govern out of fear. I've said it before and I'll say it again: The American people are far braver than their reps.
My kingdom for Democrats that don't govern out of fear. I've said it before and I'll say it again: The American people are far braver than their reps.
November 10, 2025 at 1:08 PM
This coward needs to be gone and every single one who agrees with him
The Traitorous 8 sacrificed all of us to keep the filibuster and their ability to travel by plane for Thanksgiving.
None of the Dem Senators (or Democratic-caucusing) who voted yes on the CR are worried about reelection:
• Dick Durbin – IL – Retiring 2026
• Catherine Cortez Masto – NV – Up 2028
• Jacky Rosen – NV – Up 2030
• John Fetterman – PA – Up 2028
• Maggie Hassan – NH – Up 2028
1/2
• Dick Durbin – IL – Retiring 2026
• Catherine Cortez Masto – NV – Up 2028
• Jacky Rosen – NV – Up 2030
• John Fetterman – PA – Up 2028
• Maggie Hassan – NH – Up 2028
1/2
November 10, 2025 at 1:56 PM
The Traitorous 8 sacrificed all of us to keep the filibuster and their ability to travel by plane for Thanksgiving.
Reposted by Scott Santens
The administration went all the way to the Supreme Court on Friday night to halt food-stamp funding. 🤡
Shaheen: "When I talk to my constituents in New Hampshire, you know what they say to me? They say, 'Why can't you all just work together to address the problems that are facing this country?'"
November 10, 2025 at 1:19 PM
The administration went all the way to the Supreme Court on Friday night to halt food-stamp funding. 🤡
Reposted by Scott Santens
My family has been without half our income for 40 days. It has been.. very hard.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
November 10, 2025 at 1:36 AM
My family has been without half our income for 40 days. It has been.. very hard.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.