Non-Voting Shares in Wealth Funds Proposed as Long-Term Funding Solution for Social Security, Healthcare, and UBI

A recent social media post by user Farzad has sparked discussion regarding an innovative approach to long-term funding for critical social programs, including social security, healthcare, and Universal Basic Income (UBI). The proposal centers on utilizing "non-voting shares in a wealth fund of sorts" as a sustainable financial mechanism. This concept aligns with ongoing global conversations about alternative public financing models, particularly in an era of increasing automation and evolving social welfare needs.

Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), state-owned investment vehicles, are increasingly being explored for their potential beyond traditional national savings or commodity revenue management. These funds, which collectively manage over $11.5 trillion globally, invest in a diverse range of assets, from stocks and bonds to private equity and real estate. Their long-term investment horizon and substantial capital pools make them attractive candidates for addressing persistent fiscal challenges in social welfare.

The idea of non-voting shares within such a fund is particularly notable. This structure could enable governments to tap into the growth of various industries and companies without assuming direct control or political influence over their operations. Historically, some SWFs, like the China Investment Corporation, have limited their investments to minority stakes with non-voting rights to mitigate concerns about political interference in target companies.

Discussions around UBI, social security, and healthcare funding frequently encounter challenges related to fiscal sustainability and economic impact. While some analyses suggest that large-scale UBI programs could lead to significant increases in national debt or require substantial tax hikes, proponents argue for innovative financing. Models such as carbon taxes, wealth taxes, and even leveraging returns from investments in emerging technologies like AI are being considered.

The concept of a wealth fund generating returns to support social programs is not entirely new. Alaska's Permanent Fund Dividend program, established in 1976, provides annual dividends to residents from the state's oil revenues, demonstrating a successful model of direct citizen benefit from collective wealth. More recently, in February 2025, the United States established its first sovereign wealth fund, with discussions around its potential role in addressing economic shifts brought by automation and potentially funding UBI.

Integrating such a fund could provide a stable, long-term revenue stream, potentially insulating social programs from short-term economic fluctuations and political cycles. The use of non-voting shares could also address concerns about government overreach in the private sector, fostering a collaborative model where public welfare benefits from private enterprise growth without direct state intervention in corporate governance. This approach could represent a significant shift in how nations finance their social safety nets and adapt to future economic landscapes.