Funding UBI Through Tariffs:

A Corporate-to-Government Policy to Curb Retail Theft

Key Speakers

Overview

Funding UBI Through Tariffs: A Corporate-to-Government Strategy to Curb Retail Theft

Executive Summary

Retail theft has become an increasingly pressing issue for businesses and communities alike, causing significant economic loss and placing pressure on law enforcement. This proposal suggests an innovative, dual-faceted approach to combating retail theft through a corporate-to-government strategy that involves:

1. Universal Basic Income (UBI): Funding UBI initiatives through targeted tariffs on imports that undermine domestic labor standards.

2. Retail Theft Incentive Program: A collaborative, tech-driven solution for repeat offenders, especially individuals experiencing homelessness, utilizing gift cards, biometric technologies like Amazon One, and facial recognition.

By addressing the root economic causes of retail theft while simultaneously providing short-term behavioral incentives, this proposal aims to create a sustainable reduction in theft, improve community welfare, and provide businesses with a long-term, cost-effective solution. The collaboration between corporations and government will ensure widespread benefits for all stakeholders involved.

Introduction

Retail theft is one of the most persistent challenges facing businesses today, with an estimated $112 billion lost annually in the U.S. alone, a trend mirrored in many major cities. Traditional methods, such as heightened security and punitive measures, have not been sufficiently effective in reducing theft, particularly among economically vulnerable populations, such as the homeless.

This proposal introduces a collaborative solution between the corporate sector and government that seeks to reduce theft through a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program funded by targeted tariffs. By supporting economically vulnerable individuals, we can tackle the root causes of theft and create a sustainable economic model that benefits both businesses and communities.

Policy Context

Retail Theft: A Growing Challenge

Retail theft is rising, with losses from theft in retail sectors causing significant financial damage to businesses and increasing pressure on police and judicial systems. While businesses invest in heightened security and loss-prevention technologies, theft continues to be a persistent issue, exacerbated by broader socio-economic disparities.

The Case for UBI

Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been proposed as a solution to economic instability that drives criminal behavior. UBI guarantees a regular income to individuals regardless of employment status, providing a financial cushion for vulnerable populations. Studies suggest that UBI can reduce crime rates, stimulate the economy, and improve mental health by alleviating financial stress.

The Role of Targeted Tariffs

The proposed tariffs would target imports from countries with lower labor standards, where wages and working conditions are less regulated. The revenue generated from these tariffs would be used to fund UBI initiatives, addressing economic inequality and reducing the socio-economic pressures that often lead to theft.

Strategic Framework

Part 1: Universal Basic Income Funded by Tariffs

• Tariff Mechanism: Introduce tariffs on imports from countries with low labor standards or automation-driven job displacement.

• Revenue Allocation: Use the revenue generated from these tariffs to fund UBI programs, starting with areas experiencing the highest rates of retail theft.

• Economic Impact: The implementation of UBI will reduce poverty, provide economic stability to vulnerable populations, and decrease reliance on criminal activities to meet basic needs.

Part 2: Retail Theft Incentive Program

• Identification of Repeat Offenders: Implement facial recognition technology in retail stores to flag known offenders, particularly those who have a history of petty theft.

• Incentives for Good Behavior: Instead of prosecuting habitual offenders, offer them gift cards valued at 80% of the average monthly losses due to theft. These gift cards would be provided with the condition that they cease illegal activities.

• Technological Integration: Participation would require the use of Amazon One or Dashcart for purchases, ensuring traceability and preventing theft. Offenders would also be monitored, ensuring compliance with the program.

Key Findings

• Economic Incentives: The proposed tariff mechanism creates a stable funding source for UBI, alleviating economic pressures on vulnerable populations and reducing the incentive to commit theft.

• Behavioral Modification: The retail theft incentive program is a proactive approach to theft reduction, leveraging financial incentives to turn potential criminals into legitimate customers.

• Corporate Engagement: Businesses will benefit from reduced theft, enhanced profitability, and improved public relations, positioning them as socially responsible and technologically progressive.

Policy Recommendations

1. Pilot the UBI Tariff Program: Implement a trial UBI program in high-theft regions, funded through targeted tariffs on imports.

2. Develop Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaboration between businesses, government agencies, and non-profits to design and fund UBI initiatives that address retail theft.

3. Monitor and Evaluate Program Effectiveness: Regularly assess the impact of UBI and retail theft reduction, adjusting tariffs and incentive structures as necessary.

4. Encourage Ethical Participation: Ensure that retail theft programs uphold privacy rights and fairness, with ethical oversight for facial recognition and biometric data use.

Conclusion

Retail theft is a complex issue that requires an innovative and multi-faceted approach. By combining a corporate-to-government partnership that funds Universal Basic Income through targeted tariffs, and a tech-driven incentive model for habitual offenders, this proposal offers a comprehensive solution. This strategy provides economic stability for vulnerable populations while reducing crime, benefiting both businesses and society as a whole.

With a focus on both long-term economic stability and short-term behavioral incentives, this approach ensures a more secure, prosperous society where businesses can thrive, communities are safer, and public resources are used more effectively.

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