It seems that we can give money to those in need, and see a "return" on that money in terms of increased employment and generation of value. Sounds like an investment to me.

The government is the unique position; they are able to realize a gain on this via income tax revenue. Maybe this can be done via basic income? Could we pass a basic income bill as an "investment in America" and is there a model where the government actually makes a return on this investment?