but with global economic leaders discussing “ helicopter money ” schemes and prominent people of all political persuasions arguing for basic income to counteract technology ’s disruption of human jobs , a national vote feels like one more step on the road to legitimacy .
but switzerland is the first country to actually vote on a guaranteed income at the national level .
in switzerland is among the world 's richest nations , with a per capita income of about $ 85,000 , 40 % higher than that in the usa .
( photo : peter schneider , epa ) geneva , switzerland — chalk it up to swiss affluence .
the idea of an unconditional basic income is not new .
people enjoy the sunny weather in front of the niesen mountain in neuhaus near interlaken , switzerland , on may 5 , 2016 .
the swiss proposal would give “ $ 2,600 a month tax - free to every adult citizen and legal resident , and $ 650 to each child .
this makes it a not - quite universal basic income , but at least something within spitting distance of one .
it is a benefit few countries can afford .