Ah, but @Robotistry 's proposal includes UBI for ALL lab members, not just the PI. Literally, 95% of my budget is for salaries.* If I had the salaries (and benefits**) of my trainees and staff covered, I could probably pay for my lab expenses out of pocket.
* As measured quantitatively in my current accounting. Actual number = 96.3%.
** For all the fedi from civilized countries (i.e. not the US), I am also responsible for covering the health care insurance premiums and retirement benefits for my staff. #nationalizedHealthCare
When I think about the amount of science I could do if I wasn't wasting time writing grants and I wasn't panicking about lab stability... yeah, UBI would make a difference. #UBI changes the entire structure of what a civilization can do.