Lawmakers call for universal basic income amid coronavirus crisis

Multiple lawmakers have proposed economic stimulus packages and universal basic income (UBI) programs as the coronavirus begins to take a larger toll on the American economy.

On Friday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), a 2020 presidential candidate, introduced a resolution that would provide a UBI of $1,000 a month to every American “until COVID-19 no longer presents a public health emergency.”

In an effort to stop the spread of the virus, the U.S. has imposed travel bans on several countries hardest-hit by the pandemic, and dozens of large events and conferences have been canceled or postponed.

The stock market had its worst losses since 1987 on Thursday, though it’s unclear exactly how many workers will be affected.