A Citizen’s Forum contribution by Gamaliel “Gamy” Zavala Enriquez:
”Nevada was Battle Born during the Civil War—admitted to the Union in 1864 to help end slavery and secure political freedom.
Today, we need another Battle Born moment: the fight for economic freedom through Universal Basic Income.
UBI is a regular, unconditional cash payment to every citizen—no strings attached, no bureaucracy, just direct support that guarantees everyone a foundation of economic security.
This isn't radical or untested—Alaska has paid every resident through the Alaska Permanent Fund for almost 50 years, funded by oil revenues. Nevada can do the same with our mining resources.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood this connection deeply. In his final years, he championed what he called a "guaranteed income" because, as the expression goes, what good is it to be able to sit at the diner if you cannot afford the burger? Political rights without economic security are hollow promises.
I represent both faces of America: our highest ideals and the harsh reality facing too many working families. As the son of undocumented parents who found union-paying jobs and now live their golden years in retirement, I believe in the America that rewards hard work—the America we're in danger of losing.
After 9/11, I experienced homelessness. During the Great Recession, I lost my job, became entangled in the criminal justice system, and survived on SNAP benefits. But like the Battle Born state I represent, I got back up—earning my degrees (B.S. in Political Science from ASU, MPA in Policy from UNR) and building a social enterprise coffee business that sustains peace in Latin America by partnering with former guerrilla fighters.
I have what I call a PhD in the School of Hard Knocks, combined with the right academic background in international relations and public administration, plus over a decade of experience as a progressive activist and campaign manager across Nevada. This unique combination—lived experience, academic training, and political expertise across local, state, national, and international levels—is exactly what NVCD02 needs in Congress.
My campaign centers on a universal progressive economic platform from cradle to old age—including baby bonds, universal childcare, universal parental leave, and universal healthcare—that connects all four levels of government. Locally, UBI would revitalize Nevada communities by putting money directly into residents' pockets, supporting small businesses and reducing homelessness. At the state level, funding UBI through a Value-Added Tax on Nevada's mining industry ensures our resources benefit our people—all of them. Nationally, this model can transform how America addresses poverty, replacing the bureaucratic maze of means-tested programs with dignified, universal support. Internationally, my work building peace through economic opportunity in Latin America shows how economic security prevents conflict and creates stability.
Nevada's resources should benefit Nevada's people at every stage of life. This isn't abstract policy for me—I know what it means to choose between food and rent. I know what it means to be invisible in a country that promises opportunity to all. UBI is the difference between survival and dignity, between mere existence and the ability to pursue the American Dream. It's the economic freedom Dr. King fought for, the same freedom that must follow political freedom just as economic justice must follow the civil rights victories of the 1860s and 1960s.
The establishment won't save us. Billionaires won't save us. This is a people-powered grassroots movement. You'll recognize me by my blue Nevada flag Battle Born hat—a reminder that we've always been fighters, and we're fighting for economic freedom now.
Visit my social media, share this message, contact me, and get involved. The primary election is June 9th with early voting starting May 25th—add it to your calendar, tell your family and friends, and make a game plan! Check your voter registration status here: Voter Registration Search. Together, we'll make Nevada Battle Born again—this time for economic justice and Universal Basic Income. NVCD02 deserves a representative who understands struggle, knows policy at every level of government, and will fight for the economic freedom that makes political freedom meaningful.
About the Author: Gamaliel “Gamy” Zavala Enriquez studied international relations at SFSU and European studies at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. He holds a BA in Political Science from Arizona State University and a Master's in Public Administration and Policy from the University of Nevada, Reno. He has a PhD in the School of Hard Knocks. He is a community organizer, political activist, and small-business owner. Editorial assistance provided by a generative AI tool for grammar and clarity.
Contact, support and find me here : (775) 386-2611 / My Story / UBI for Nevad / https://gofund.me/732c19495 “
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