>> The rest have their basic income absorbed by their taxes.
Isn't this whole notion of BI dependent on the political support of a large share of Americans who think they'll get money - and now you're saying they won't ?
Or in other words - why aren't talking about unemployment insurance that doesn't forces you to work ? because that's what's your offer is.
BI is not dependent on the political support of Americans. Americans don't even have universal health care, so BI will probably be implemented somewhere more progressive.
BI is not the same as unemployment insurance, because that would require you to work beforehand. It's also not the same because with every dollar you earn, you loose the same dollar from your unemployment insurance. BI would mean that the first couple of thousand of dollars you earn, you will keep. Essentially it provides an incentive for those on welfare or unemployment to engage in at least some work, because they can keep that money.
Well, you could structure the income tax so that you'll have to pay the BI back, if you earn above whatever. Sure, there's no difference at the end of the year, but it should be easier to sell.
$25k a year is about the poverty line for a family of four.