So, one FAQ (that we will assume is in good faith) is "what's wrong with means testing?" People often want resources to go to those who "need" it and that's understandable. So here's what means testing really means, and why it's often a way to avoid taxing the rich. Thread.

Means testing is the process of determining who has access to a particular program. It draws a line between those who need the program because they don’t have the “means” to go without it, and those who supposedly do.

Means testing allows the rich and powerful to determine who is “worthy” and “deserving” and who is “unworthy” and “undeserving.” The methods of making these distinctions are typically racist, sexist, and classist and make people who need services and support feel ashamed.

The most popular programs like Social Security and Medicare are NOT means tested, they’re universal. This is part of their success! When everyone benefits from these policies (rich and poor) it's harder to attack or get rid of them + people aren't stigmatized for it's dependence.

Means testing makes it easier for conservatives to oppose/defund a program by using divide and conquer tactics. The GOP invokes racist, sexist, and classist stereotypes about who receives gov benefits to push cuts to essential services like welfare, UI, and Covid relief.

Means testing lets the rich hoard wealth. Instead of simply providing universal programs and taxing the rich to pay for them, we cut costs and keep taxes on the 1% low by devising increasingly complicated ways of determining who is deserving and undeserving for social programs.

One result is often more bureaucracy. We have to jump through hoops and navigate red tape to apply for benefits. This wastes our time and ensures that lots of us who might technically qualify don’t get the help we deserve.

Some people say student debt cancellation should be means tested — that only people who make "below a certain income" should get their debt cancelled. That’s wrong. Student debt is already means tested. The rich don’t have student debt bc they can afford to pay tuition up front.

Instead of some arbitrary amount ($10k, $50k, $75k), we should just cancel ALL student debt. Instead of worrying that some w/ high incomes will get their debt cancelled, we should just tax the rich and make college free, so that no one is forced into debt for an education.

After all, we don’t means test access to public K-12 schools and libraries. Everyone can use them, and that’s a good thing because they benefit everyone.