Universal basic income during the Coronavirus pandemic may matter even more

While former tech executive Andrew Yang dropped out of February's presidential campaign, the ideas catching the imaginations of his supporters now seem more important than ever.
In reaction to the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration announced it was planning to collaborate with Congress to pass an assistance bill that would see thousands of dollars worth of checks sent to Americans.
This idea reflects Yang's flagship proposal: the Freedom Dividend, in which the government will give every American $1,000 a month.
Yang told us in May that universal basic income (UBI) could help to deal with everything from climate change to job losses due to automation. The aid package has added one more thing to Yang's long list of tasks.
He has contributed to CNN's political coverage, and his team has also reportedly been in touch with Trump's administration, offering guidance on the ins and outs of UBI.