I would love to see a GiveDirectly (https://www.givedirectly.org/ https://www.givedirectly.org/) trial in first-world countries. Take a few people that would q

I would love to see a GiveDirectly (https://www.givedirectly.org/ https://www.givedirectly.org/) trial in first-world countries. Take a few people that would qualify for various public assistance programs (reduced housing costs, food stamps, disability, welfare) and instead just give them that money in one big annual lump sum. My hunch is that this would be more cost effective, particularly given the much lower cost of administrating cash payouts vs restricted use programs. But it's also possible all of the money would just go to drugs and alcohol. It'd be a fascinating study. (I realize this isn't basic income, as basic income is not means-tested -- but it'd be a great first step in that direction.)