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Missouri Dem Demands Universal Basic Income

August 7, 2020

Left-wing activist and Missouri Democratic congressional candidate Cori Bush on Friday said the next coronavirus relief bill should ensure a retroactive $2,000 universal basic income that continues for a year.

"I would love to see a $2,000-a-month universal basic income that's retroactive and that lasts for a year, also making sure that there is a real moratorium on evictions," said Bush, who is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

Bush also stressed the need for increased school funding and Medicare for All in the face of the pandemic.

"Some schools still are trying to fight to get [computers] for the students, and we're trying to make teachers become medical professionals," Bush said. "We need to put money there and continue to fight for Medicare for All."

Not only has Bush campaigned on Medicare for All and a universal basic income, she has also backed defunding the police. Those positions helped get her the support of key far-left groups including the DSA, Our Revolution, and Justice Democrats, which powered her to victory in the Democratic primary in Missouri’s First Congressional District, which includes St. Louis.

Bush defeated veteran congressman William Lacy Clay Jr. in Tuesday's primary.

Republicans and Democrats are negotiating the next round of coronavirus relief, and MSNBC anchor Katy Tur was asking Bush what she believed would "make things easier in this moment" and should be included in the Democratic-led HEROES Act or another relief package.