Food Stamp Costs Up 70%, GOP Blames Expanded Criteria [The War on Welfare]
![Food Stamp Costs Up 70%, GOP Blames Expanded Criteria [The War on Welfare]](http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Food-Stamps-More-Popular-Than-Ever-e1334931156354.jpeg)
As we reported earlier, food stamp costs are on the rise across America, to the tune of a stunning 70% more now than they cost in 2007.
When it comes to topics, food stamp costs are one we know to be a hot-button issue. Commenters come out in force to opine, and we’d guess it’s two to one critical of food stamp use versus concessions that the economy is still really rough right now and lots of American families struggle to get by on wages that have been hollowed out in the wake of historic corporate profits. Ahem.
The latest furor over food stamp costs comes out of the Congressional Budget Office, or CBO. The agency has released a report (in the same week a measure to tax the very wealthy at the same rates as the very poor was rejected in the Senate) examining food stamp costs relative to previous expenditures in the area, discovering that food stamp use rose since pre-meltdown years.
Well, duh. When the house of cards that was our last bubble finally imploded, a whole heck of a lot of jobs went with it, never to return. But do Republicans blame the fact that we’ve been in a “jobless recovery” for years with skyrocketing gas and food prices for the rise in food stamp costs?
Ha. The Daily Caller, a right-wing blog, quotes one unnamed GOP Senate aide in DC, who points to the debt we ran up playing Cowboys and Indians over the past decade and bailing out big banks on their gambling debts as a reason little kids should go hungry:
“CBO always assumes the dollar amount will drop as the economy improves. That is not necessarily true… [W]ith his stimulus, President Obama significantly increased the size of the benefit. And despite the fact that the recession has been over for more than two years, that increased benefit won’t expire until the end of 2013. How is that justifiable when we have a $15 trillion national debt?”
The post notes that Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions blames- instead, again, of greed- “categorical eligibility” that enables people to qualify for food stamps more easily. Sessions introduced legislation to end such measures, ostensibly creating more hoops for the poor to jump through while attempting to hold down one or more jobs and feed a family.
Do you think rising food stamp costs are the inevitable result of long-term high unemployment?
Tags : food stamp costs, food stamp costs 2012, food stamps, Government Program, Government Spending, jeff sessions, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs
Posted: April 23, 2012
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Apr 23, 2012
My children go to public school and they say all the kids go straight to the garbage can and dump into the trash all the free vegitables they are required to take.
Of course, some contractor is making a killing on supplying this food. I bet they had a hand in getting the rule passed requiring all kids are forced to take those vegitables.
You know why kids need a 'hot' meal (instead of a healthy meal)? Because 'hot' meals don't keep, you have to dump it all after making the maximum amount that might have possibly been used.
My family paid for my food when I grew up and somehow I managed to survive without 'hot' meals all the time.
Cold cereal and milk or sandwiches somehow kept me from starvation, and those things are not dumped in the trash if I don't eat the whole loaf, and they're cheaper to make and 'keep'. I wonder how much money it costs to bribe the elected officials to provide 'hot' vegitables to all those children?
Why not have as many children as possible? After all, the government is responsible to take care of them, my job is to demand more and more for my children, not to take any financial responsibility for the children I bring into the world. It's best if I demand more for my kids in righteous anger, not as a polite request for charity.
Apr 23, 2012
Just take a look at the states with the highest rate of food stamp use! They are states which are Republican controlled!
Apr 23, 2012
I saw a really interesting clip about this on Bill Maher, about how those states consistently vote against their own interests, even while actively using food stamps and the like.
Apr 23, 2012
I would love to see one of these blowhard politicians to live for 1MONTH on what I make. not just a week a MONTH. They would be begging to go back to their fancy homes and big pay checks. Do they seriously think we love begging to feed our kids. Too many hoops to jump through right now. we have no self respect or pride when it comes to feeding our kids.
Apr 23, 2012
I am on disability and do recive 115.00 a month for a family of four please if you have got better plan than do already stop tryin to take from those who have least would love to see you folks making these decsions do what we have to you go to a apntry and pray you get more thna moldy bread and 4 cans of corn everyone who complains is safe for those of us down here we are not but we have the guts to say it.
Apr 23, 2012
These people would rather send money to other countries then feed the american people and see that the american people become the equal to a third world country then lose money out of their own pockets that is why the tax bill to raise the tax on the rich failed in congress.
They want the UUNITED STATES to be divided country of rich and poor, with the poor living no better then animals in the streets and eating garbage from their cans.
That's what these people that WE sent to Washington to supposely to represent us are doing to the AMERICAN PEOPLE and we are letting them get away with it by not doing or saying anything to change the situtation.
Apr 23, 2012
The thing is the food stamp program was created for Americans who didn't make enough to feed their families sufficiently. I personally feel that in order to qualify for the food stamp program you should first be a US citizen. It is unbelievable the amount that is spent for those who aren't citizens of this country. Even illegal immigrants are able to draw food stamps. Churches bring a lot of foreigners to this country and get them on the system which gives them food stamps, housing, medical care, and money. I say if they want to bring them to the US then they should support them. It makes me sick to see everyone complaining about the few Americans who get food stamps, but never seem to complain about the amount of people who are not citizens who are living quite well on our suystem. The solution would be to simply sent them back to their wn country, and if that's not possible then tell them to get a job, but either way we should not be responcible to support them.
Apr 23, 2012
This comment is not specifically about food stamps but rather about the system (or, abusers of the system). I worked for years at a small community hospital. And, unfortunately, the abusers are the ones who make themselves the most visible. They would come in wearing lovely jewlery and clothes, talking on expensive cell phones and driving nice cars; present their masshealth cards and expect their tribe of children to be seen immediately in the emergency room for ailments such as runny noses, sore throats, etc and be very vocal when others with more serious issues were given priority. These people somehow need to be weeded out of the system so the ones who truly need the help can receive it.
Apr 23, 2012
Dear Mr. Wealthy-Billionaire CEO, Please give me a job making what you make, so that I will no longer have to use the food stamp program to feed my children….. Seriously. Wouldn't that be nice if anyone who complained about the food stamp program was required to provide good jobs for the people on the program? I would LOVE to have a job that paid wages good enough to actually be able to feed my family MYSELF instead of having to use the food stamp program! :s
Apr 23, 2012
Food Stamps are a good thing for poor people. When I was in my early twenties and had a small baby ex -husband walked out on us , those stamps came in handy. if it were not for Food Stamps my daughter and I would have starved.I recieved Food Stamps for 2 yrs till I got a job. I appreciate the fact those Food Stamps wre there. People and the goverment need to think about what would they do when they are in need. ( we all know anyone in Government will never need assistance ) Because as normal citizens you better hope that you never end up in need.
Apr 23, 2012
The food stamp program is a good thing but as a C-store cashier I see alot of EBT used to buy pop, candy, energy drinks ect… and welfare cash to buy lotto tickets, beer, cigs, ect…I don't thnk that is right, food stamps should only be used to buy milk, eggs, bread, meat, veg seeds to grow a garden ect…..and I don't think a simple UA is to much to ask for if a person wants to recieve taxpayer assistance. I also agree w/Ms. Graham…churchs that sponser foreigner families should support them as well, not most American taxpayers who work hard for their food, a roof over their head and gas in the old beater just to make it to work…what happened to the Welfare to Work program? Just wondrn
Apr 23, 2012
I see the biggest problem with Food Stamps being illigals and those whom don't even try to work. If your goal in life is just to sit around and keep having kids one after another why does the tax payers need to support that? I was a young mother (16) and I was on FS and medicaid until I was 18 and could get a better job. I understand the need and how it works. I think anyone who wants to help thereself should be given this help. I just don't agree with non US Citizens or people who refuse to help themselves to be getting my taxpayer money and the taxpayer money of low income families who are paying taxes and receiving FS.
Apr 23, 2012
Dora you are soooooo right, these non americans are taking from us natural citizens. I worked for over thirty years sometimes two jobs, had a heart attack and cannot get Medicaid even to stay alive, I have had to set up my funeral arrangements instead. I am also blind now in my left eye and with the complications from the heart attack, my stent is clogged already, I cannot work, I have thousands of dollars in medical bills but cannot get medical help from our lovely government but every party store/gas station owner in Michigan has it FREE.
Apr 23, 2012
I also would love these Millionaire Republicans to do without for a month and see what they are like after that. Also 2007 BUSH was still in office and this is all HIS doing NOT Obama's!!!! I wish Obama could get around these Republicans and help return the Middle Class but I don't think he can do it by himself. Bush had Cheney, Haliburton and his 2 wars to bring us to this level.
Apr 23, 2012
very well said, and brilliant as well
Apr 23, 2012
there was a time when people came to this country to better themselves, now they come for foodstamps and medicaid. it is really sad. I got a call from a telemarketer last week pitching something or the other, and when I detected her accent I asked where she was located, and she was calling me from ROMANIA, what a sad state of affairs, I could have done her job right here in my own home. I guess the moral of this story is, IF YOU WANT A STEADY AMERICAN JOB YOU HAVE TO MOVE OUT OF THE COUNTRY. and another pet peeve I have is that if you are going to try and sell me something AT LEAST SPEAK THE LANGUAGE WELL ENOUGH FOR ME TO UNDERSTAND YOU.
Apr 23, 2012
Kim LaCapria NOT this TEXAN!!!! I HAVE INTELLIGENCE! and class.
Apr 23, 2012
I think there a lot of issues in this problem. 1. Food stamps are becoming a way of life for people rather than a temporary solution. There are blogs & videos out on how to get the most money out of the government. 2. Food stamps should include only healthy food & portion sizes. Many times I have seen people use food stamps to buy frozen pizzas, high-sugar low-nutient cereals and they are overweight. I don't mind helping people that are hungry but allowing them to indulge is ridiculous. 3. People have this idea that they are entitled to everything I have. When you start working for it, then you can have the fun "extras", until then, if you are truly hungry and in need, brown rice, beans, milk, fruit & vegetables come pretty cheap. 4. If you are going to get food stamps and are not currently working, you can help grow a community garden that is used to help people in need. It's not all about what you as a person wants, it's about helping a community better itself.
Apr 23, 2012
People who get welfare should also be tested for drugs. I know people who have three to six kids and have been getting food stamps for years not just since the economy tanked they complain that they can't feed their kids but they can afford to buy cigs, booze, and drugs. I work as a house keeper and my husband is a mechanic. I know that there are people who need a helping hand but I also know people that have had a helping hand most of their life. That's not fair on those of us that work and pay taxes. There are people out there that are better off than we are and my husband puts in twelve hour days. They get housing, medical, food and even their power free. The tax payers are not responsible for others irresponsible choices.
Apr 23, 2012
Amen sister!
Apr 23, 2012
The WIC program has restrictions on what you can get with it. This a great program they also counsel on nutrition.
Apr 24, 2012
@ Andrea who the hell do you think you are to tell people what they can buy and eat. As for a job I worked 4 jobs to support my family and still qualified for food stamps. you have now idea what goes on in other peoples kitchen and its really rude of you to suggest otherwise. You may be the pefect mother and cook every nite of the week but some people who do work are tired at the end of their work day, and still have to go home and clean house, it is a nice change to put in a pizza. no mess no dishes. Until you walk a mile in someone elses shoes you should keep your misguided opinions to yourself. A person who lives in glass houses shouldn't throw stones!
Apr 24, 2012
Really? What do you mean by "When you start working for it, then you can have the fun "extras?", I guess your ignorant to the fact that majority of the people receiving food stamps are the working poor, so you should really check yourself. And all these great ideas you have about what a person in need can do, I would love to see you walk the walk. Its easy to say what you would do if you found yourself suddenly in the same situation as the people you are judging. js
Apr 24, 2012
Well there is still a recession In my home and many other's! I had more interviews for jobs this past 6 mo. and guess what I'm still unemployed, and not collecting! I'm trying my best to keep my head above water, and just about to drown!
Apr 24, 2012
Well there is still a recession In my home and many other's! I had more interviews for jobs this past 6 mo. and guess what I'm still unemployed, and not collecting! I'm trying my best to keep my head above water, and just about to drown!
Apr 24, 2012
Thank you for assuming i'm ignorant about the situation, since you don't know me or my financial status. I support my family of 5 on a very limited budget. We can qualify for government assistance, but choose not to. We live within our means and don't overindulge ourselves. So maybe the next time you post something like that, you shouldn't assume that the person contradicting a program like that has no idea what it's like to be in that category.
Apr 24, 2012
Lisa L. Boogie Griffith Thank you that girl is an idiot and knows nothing about people on foodstamps except the sterotype! The majority of the people DO WORK and because we are less fortunate we dont deserve "fun extras" who is she to tell people what they should eat?
Apr 24, 2012
Does anyone here read the bible? YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO HELP THOSE WHO HAVE LESS THAN YOU ,NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCE!
Apr 24, 2012
ITS OK FOR THE GOV. TO SPEND 120,000 DOLLARS ON CATERING FOR 10 PEOPLE BUT FOODSTAMPS ARE THE OUTRAGE? OOOOOOOOOK? PRIORITIES PEOPLE WE NEED TO HELP OTHERS IN NEED!
Apr 24, 2012
The price of food has gone up substantially for everyone~~~so why the surprise for food stamps increase? I can only imagine how difficult it is to feed a family on what is given. God Bless all who are trying so hard in a difficult situation.
Apr 24, 2012
Kimberly Storey I believe she is a taxpayer paying for those food stamps, so yes she should have a say.
Apr 24, 2012
Cindy Johnson people on foodstamps have jobs therefore making them taxpayers what arent people getting about that , and get back to me when the government starts telling you what you can and cant eat.
Apr 24, 2012
Kimberly Storey to add to your comment. People on assistance need to stretch the money the get as far as they can and the food she is complaining about is the CHEAPEST and unfortunately the worst for you but you gotta do what you gotta do to make it work!! Andrea needs a reality check as to the cost of the GOOD food!!!
Apr 24, 2012
Cindy Johnson also about 1 penny of the weekly check thats gets taxed goes to foodstamps so why isnt everyone focusing on the other 99percent, taxes fix roads, build buildings etc etc. taxes arent being specifically taken out of you check for food stamps.
Apr 24, 2012
also maybe they're buying those kinds of foods because they are cheaper have you not noticed eating healthy is very expensive, so if your trying to feed alot of people and strecth your dollar/stamp whatever then maybe a frozen pizza is the way to go. Thank You dont speak about what you dont know about!
Apr 24, 2012
Kimberly Storey Where are you getting your info? Pulling it out of your ass hardly counts. Why the entitled vibe? Do you believe you have the right to take what someone else worked for?
Apr 24, 2012
Kimberly Storey not sure if I agree with that one. Have you seen the price of junk food the other day i spent two dollars on a candy bar and a dollar on an apple. (both were delicious) Pop is crazy expensive too I stopped buying it for a year and drank water and bought a car. And frozen pizza's are like 8 a piece and that feeds only one person so for a family you should do two for 16 I can make a delious meatloaf and some porkchops.
Apr 24, 2012
http://www.ehow.com/facts_4928940_do-federal-income-taxes-pay.html
Apr 24, 2012
here is a thought all those state workers would lose their jobs if there wasn't food stamps then people can come on the internet and tell them to just plant a garden.
Apr 24, 2012
Amanda Lee Moore that is hilarious!^
and your right all food is expensive but healthy food tends to be more expensive for less, most people on food stamps are still eating ramen noodles were not going out buying t bones and if people do that is a pure example of dont let one bad apple spoil the bunch
Apr 24, 2012
Kimberly Storey i can see both sides of the issue because i know people on both sides, but i guess i have just been more blessed than what I realize. I know a girl that works very hard she does get food stamps but she refuses to get anything else. I know for a fact that she would qualify for everything right down to section 8 and she won't get it she just watches her pennies. Another girl friend told me that the cut off for income is 2000 a month for foodstamps. I think that what people don't get is in the northern part of Michigan jobs can be scarce and far away. Driving a $400 car 32 miles one way to work at a minimum wage job isn't going to get you any extra fun stuff because your fun budget just went to tie your muffler back up so you don't get a ticket or other vehicle maintenance. I told my little sister if your gonna be poor be poor up north yeah there isn't any jobs and everything is more expensive and far away but you are not gonna get shoot where you live unlike the poor unsafe neighborhoods of the city.
Apr 24, 2012
and people that are judging need to think about when they come up here on vacation the person that cleans their rooms, books their rooms ect. probably all qualify for food stamps if they starve to death who would serve them when they go on vacation. And That person could of drove up to 50 miles one way just for that pleasure.
Apr 24, 2012
Another fact that no one seems to want to acknowledge: With the shift from employees to "contractors," many people who used to be covered by the unemployment insurance system no longer meet eligibility requirements. If your not able to find work, and you don't have any unemployment income, you qualify for food stamps pretty quickly.
Apr 24, 2012
have mercey
Apr 24, 2012
115.00 a month ,going to a pantry, yet you somehow have Internet access? A little suspect.
Apr 24, 2012
Isn't it funny how the people who do not use food stamps think they have room to talk. Until they lose their jobs, their home,, sell their nice cars, have to sell all of their belongings, furniture, tvs, toys, jewlry, etc… to live they they will never know the desperation, sadness and loss of pride. I have worked all of my life. I have a college a degree- my hubby does too. And we were too proud to ask for food stamps and welfare. All we collect now is food stamps. And it is NOT enough to feed our family and children each month. We rarley eat chicken or pork. Never seafood or steaks anymore. We rarely have any snacks, chips, cookies, ice cream, sodas, etc… hell we are lucky we can buy toilet paper. In some states it is is even worse! And lord forbid if you are diabetic or have some disease where you need a specific diet. Food stamp money is NOT going to cover the costs to pay for an appropriate nutritional diet. We eat rice or potatos every night with some kind of gorund meat/cheap meat and cheap veggie. Period. Everyone in this house is always hungry. Yet I read over and over again about govt spending for outrageous dinners in Vegas and other places where they spend 10's of thousands of dollars per plate. Or Michelle Obama spends 50K on underwear. Where is the justice? Why aren't we keeping the money for the American people? Not all food stamp people are "druggies". And asking for a test is unconstitutional. This food is HUMANE. It is feeding CHILDREN. Many times my husband and myself go hungry while our children eat. How is that fair? If we can feed overseas people, and illegal aliens, why not give more to our own? Food costs keep sky rocketing, but food stamps remain stagnant. Something needs to change.
Apr 24, 2012
but we can give all the money to mosqes, black farmers, 50K in underwear for Michelle Obama, vacations to Mexico for unaccompanied Obama teenagers w/friends plus 20 body guards… Looks like a GIANT misuse and waste of money! What else don't we know?! Total misappropriation of funds!
Apr 24, 2012
….besides, lets pretend some druggie failed a test, and lost their food stamps, but they has 4 kids at home. Now those kids are supposed to starve? Sounds like horse shit! Use a card that is only good at the grocery store. Not "bucks". And have your name engraved on it. Duh. Why is this soo hard for people to figure out? Instead they'd rather let kids be hungry, which in turn would effect their grades, and education. STUPID GOVT. Where is Teddy Roosevelt when you need him? Someone ressurect him!
Apr 24, 2012
CREATE JOBS!
Apr 24, 2012
Sorry Dora but you are wrong about non citizens being able to qualify for food stamps. I have a friend who is married to a legal resident and even he wasn't able to qualify for the program unless he had been a legal resident for at least three years. Only my friend and her two daughters (who are US citizens) qualified. But because they take the income for every person in the household they were just barely over the limit because they included her husband's salary even though he didn't qualify for assistance.
Apr 24, 2012
Sorry Dora but you are wrong about non citizens being able to qualify for food stamps. I have a friend who is married to a legal resident and even he wasn't able to qualify for the program unless he had been a legal resident for at least three years. Only my friend and her two daughters (who are US citizens) qualified. But because they take the income for every person in the household they were just barely over the limit because they included her husband's salary even though he didn't qualify for assistance.
Apr 24, 2012
This is Govt money that is distributed to the states, so why the discrepencies between states? And whats with the states attitues?Who are these workers down at these offices? What qualifications do they have? They sure don't have any empathy or one ounce of niceness about them. I'd rather a church took it over. #1They are slow and do not know how to do their job without 3 other people when I could do it myself. It is not hard admin work. #2 You do not need to be an A hole to everyone who walks in the door, this is not the DVM. You do not have to make people feel bad. THAT is why you have to put security guards at the door! Duh! And 2 people working Minimum wage jobs just ain't gonna cut it these days with the rising costs of everything. And minimum wage is all anyone wants to pay as a business. Instead of whining about food stamps, we needs to sit and seriously look at why we don't have REAL jobs for everyone, jobs that are prosperous enough that every family can provide for itself like it could in the past.
Apr 24, 2012
Amanda Lee Moore WIC is only for age 5 and below. I fyour chiildren are older, or forbid teens… they need alot!
Apr 24, 2012
Kimberly Storey Its pretty obvious thats some people out there don't base their life decisions off the bible. That's IF they believe in that particular religion in the first place. If you want take your hard earned wages and give it those who may or may not truly need it is up to you, but its not fair to attempt to make that decision for the rest of society. Im all for welfare reform.
Apr 24, 2012
I couldn't agree with you Dora, you are right on the money. Our system is all screwed up!
Apr 24, 2012
Jennifer A MacDonald I would not joke about individuals with disabilities if I were you. I have a family member who paid into this system since she was 12, got cheated out of all her units, is a widow and barely even can afford her medical bills currently. I pray everyday for something to come through. I see stories like this all around me.
For all you know, Jill could be living somewhere with free wi-fi, living with someone else, at a library!
Please don't point fingers at those suffering.
Apr 24, 2012
It has nothing to do with who controls what state. States can only do what they can with what they get. Obama has screwed this country with his incompetence. That coming from a democrat in a state that's democrat controlled.
Apr 24, 2012
Exactly
Apr 24, 2012
so what are people to do sit and starve not have nothing people complain about tax payer money how much of this money is going to U.S citizens and how much is padding the pockets of our elected officials and bureaucratic Hippocrits (can't remember how to spell it ..you get the jist) and really you call living off of what someone tells you can't and can have; better no before you talk try walking in those shoes not an easy jobs keep listening to these political news venues like these you will never know the truth
Apr 24, 2012
Sheri De Hamstar-Ward Look at CORPORATE WELFARE where most of our money goes. You want to know something. If you are not a citizen you are not eligible for any type of assistance. It is federal law look it up and stop repeating garbage. Want to know what else see what your senators and congress make. If you can get what they do we'd all be better. Corporations get taxes breaks for exporting that job you are looking for AND are taxed at a lower rate. Do some unbiased research instead of showing your racist hatred because believe me it is showing…..
Apr 24, 2012
Jennifer A MacDonald Not saying this is the case but pretty much all libraries have free internet access. I know many people who didn't have home internet that would go to the library to access.
Apr 24, 2012
First, if we stopped giving food stamps to people who are here ILLEGALLY there would be a lot more money in the program for people who truely need it. However I was in line at the grocery store and watched someone pay with food stamps, and then proceeded to buy a carton of cigarettes for $80. It's hard to want to help someone that isn't even trying.
Apr 24, 2012
Well said. Food stamps should have limits. When you don't pay for your food with your own earned money you should not have a say in what you buy. It is amazing what people will eat when they are truly hungry.
Apr 24, 2012
I co-owned a business for 34 years, running it side by side with my ex-husband who has since moved away with the funds and left me penniless. I was seriously injured a year later and found myself on disability. Now that would have been survivable to a degree, but because I was self employed…I was only eligible for SSI which left me almost nothing after rent is paid. My rent is $600 per month (receive $700 but it cost $15.00 in gas and $15. at the check cashing place-reducing my funds to $670) and I live in an area where this is cheap. Who can afford cable and internet…let alone an electric bill or heat in the winter. It cost $20 to get a ride to the grocery store, now I am at $650 per month and I have a co-pay on my monthly doctor appts. and medications. I have found myself struggling to purchase toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo and more…sometimes, I simply have none and cannot afford any. The government has decided that wiping my butt is a privilege making these items what the government refers to as "luxury items" therefore there is no help to purchase them….Apparently we must slide our carcasses across the carpet like the dog (that we can not afford) After having lived on an income of $90,000 to $120,000 a year (and realizing now what an honor it was to have been able to do that) I hear weekly from someone some cut about people sucking the system dry on food stamps and as I embarrassingly yank my card out to pay for my generics…..I shutter a silent prayer for them in hopes that they will realize, that not all of us are here by choice. If the government really wants to help…try serving Americans and help them to return to civilization BEFORE illegals BEFORE looking at cutting back the food stamp program (again). I am not alone….I am old, what about single parents who have small children…they need diapers, baby wipes, etc…You will judge them for the diaper rash on their child's butt and look to remove them from the family…but not offer an way for them to wipe the child's butt. Not to mention the addicted people that are on food stamps…who sell them to others to support their habit, getting a quick fix receiving $100 worth of drug for $200 in food stamps…What measures is the government taking to stop that and help those people….I know…Let's just ignore…perhaps, they will just go away.
Apr 24, 2012
Very well said! And, those families that struggle with providing for their family,,,why do you keep having more children, when you very well know their future is gray?? If you cannot provide food for them, how they ever gonna get education????
Apr 24, 2012
The Senate, which is rich, has decided not to tax the rich more, but to make it harder to qualify for food stamps. The great author Charles Dickens wrote of this in the 1800's.
Charity: 'I don't think you quite understand us, sir. A few of us are endeavoring to buy the poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth."
And Scrooge's reply was: "Why?"
The Senate is a lot like this in that they seen no need to contribute themselves, as are there no prisons? No workhouses?
Dickens solved this in Scrooge by making it personal through Tiny Tim. Senators should then have to go a year contacting daily a child and listen to him talk about being hungry, about how his parents don't have heath care, about how he can't do well in school because of these things. And see then how they feel about raising taxes and foodstamps.
Apr 24, 2012
to bad that u have to be citizen to get food stamps,idiot
Apr 24, 2012
u & hubby are tools of repubicans
Apr 24, 2012
u & hubby are tools of repubicans
Apr 24, 2012
get your facts right,o wait they can't get more rightwing nuttier
Apr 24, 2012
get your facts right,o wait they can't get more rightwing nuttier
Apr 24, 2012
Starve is a pretty strong word for welfare recipients, Considering their are many of them sell, and abuse their foods stamps for drugs instead of using the stamps to buy what they were intended for. What were debating about is welfare, not bureaucrats. You should know their are people who are starving due to our dead beat economy, who are not even eligible for food stamps. That to me is a FLAWED system. know your facts.
Apr 24, 2012
I get 600.00 a month in foodstamps and I will buy whatever I want with it. I have worked from ages 15 untill I was 30 and started having my children. So yes, I don't work and I get food stamps. I also could care less what anyone thinks about what I buy. I paid alot of money into our screwed up system so I have EVERY RIGHT to collect some of my money back!
Apr 24, 2012
Heather Coulson The "facts" are most people on food stamps are hardworking families that still cant make ends meet, this HORRIBLE STEROTYPE about welfare people using drugs selling drugs is gettin ridiculous ! Do you know of anyone selling foodstamps for drugs? Then how can you tell karla know her facts when you are using random sterotypes?
as I sure it may happen in some unfortunate cases it is very unfair the say many of them are selling /using drugs. Its embarssing enough to have to ask for help from the government and now people label us as drug addicts,THANKS! Im sure your a very compassionate person just misinformed.
Apr 24, 2012
Traci Smith Im sure your opinion would change if you were put in the same situation, Its very easy to look down on people from a high pedistal.
Apr 24, 2012
The Food stamp program should be altered so that those that are misusing/ abusing the system have to get jobs. Quit allowing those people to purchase chips soda and luncheon type foods, instead allow only healthy foods. And have the WIC program limit a 2 child cut off point because nowadays the youth are breeding like rabbits only to be a receipt of the food stamp program like they're past…..Police the food stamp program.
Apr 24, 2012
Lynn, they are not getting all of this for free. Power may give them $350.00 per year but the rest they have to pay. Medical , they have a co pay, food they run out before the end of the month and cannot afford the most nutritional food. And in order to get food stamps you have to be a US citizen. I do know that those helping migrants move to the US are experts at falsifying documents and employees working in these organizations have not been trained on how to tell if a document is legitimate or not.
Apr 24, 2012
Hey the working poor pay for those food stamps too. You don't want to hire certain people or pay a decent wage. Some doesn't deserve a good job no matter how qualified and should not have decent healthcare. They can work their a$$3$$ off and still cannot make ends meet ! Cannot afford the kind of education for themselves or their children that some can. If I had it I would help and treat people with dignity. Instead of locking people up I think this country should educate and teach for real how a person can go out ant sustain themselves. Schools are not teaching this to all children and it is sad. In our country , locking people up is big business. Now it doesn't matter if they are innocent or not. It is not about right or wrong. It s about which attorney can tell the most convincing lies !
Apr 24, 2012
Hey the working poor pay for those food stamps too. You don't want to hire certain people or pay a decent wage. Some doesn't deserve a good job no matter how qualified and should not have decent healthcare. They can work their a$$3$$ off and still cannot make ends meet ! Cannot afford the kind of education for themselves or their children that some can. If I had it I would help and treat people with dignity. Instead of locking people up I think this country should educate and teach for real how a person can go out ant sustain themselves. Schools are not teaching this to all children and it is sad. In our country , locking people up is big business. Now it doesn't matter if they are innocent or not. It is not about right or wrong. It s about which attorney can tell the most convincing lies !
Apr 24, 2012
They should have to get jobs? What jobs are there to get..?? If they bought only "healthy" food, the money would still get spent; and fyi.. healthy food costs more than junk food.. And with a 2 child cut-off limit, what of the 3rd child..?? does he just starve..??
Apr 24, 2012
So if that one person weren't in need of food stamps, nobody would pay taxes..??
Apr 24, 2012
Sheri De Hamstar-Ward I was just pointing out that there are programs that do say what you can get with them.
Apr 24, 2012
Really..??
Apr 24, 2012
Florin Cristache Dont have more kids, no birth control for you, abstain from sex, sorry you lost your job, I am rich living off my huge profits from running up gas prices crashing stock markets forclosing on houses and generally taking the wealth from the poor back to me the rich; so why dont all you poor people just go ahead and die.
Apr 24, 2012
Florin Cristache Dont have more kids, no birth control for you, abstain from sex, sorry you lost your job, I am rich living off my huge profits from running up gas prices crashing stock markets forclosing on houses and generally taking the wealth from the poor back to me the rich; so why dont all you poor people just go ahead and die.
Apr 24, 2012
Hear is another thought, the people's children that are on food stamps if they grew up with out of them they would be weak and sickly or they could of dropped out of school to work to eat or worse resort to illegal activities to get food. I believe that most people that were raised on food stamps work extra hard to survive without them because they were raised with the shame of being on them. And another thought, it isn't only the people receiving foodstamps that relies on them. The people who work at the store the people that make the food the people who deliver the food the people who grant the food stamps the people who grow the food ect. any person that receives any goods or services from the person that gets food stamps would lose out on that money, good or service. If the gov't. didn't give out food stamps it wouldn't free up money in the budget to get us out of debt or anything it would just be shifted somewhere else and people would still be hungry.
Apr 24, 2012
I 2nd that Amen!!
Apr 24, 2012
I would love to see mitt and wifey go to the DHS office and go through the "hoops" (as they call them) to get a few bucks to feed their kids! the system would change quickly!
Apr 24, 2012
@sandy….i am going through the same issues with my mom. she has been denied so many times. my mother has worked since she was about 12 years old, sometimes 2 or 3 jobs at once. she is now 71 and health is in the toilet. they finally approved her for 15$ dollars in food stamps!WHAT A JOKE AND A HUMILIATION!! almost 60 years of working and 15$……..hhmmm….it's disgusting i tell ya! we wont even talk about the medicaid issue for my mom!
Apr 24, 2012
Florin Cristache : you can say that again!!! and again!!!
Apr 24, 2012
Kimberly Storey : Amen! The Bible also tells us not to judge others either…seems some folks need to read up on scripture!!
Apr 24, 2012
Karen Kaiser : this country's economy was screwed up when Obama took office. Nobody ever refers to that, they automatically bash him. Im not saying i agree with everything he has done, but ppl, rome wasnt built in a day or even 4 years for that matter!! Just sayin'
Apr 24, 2012
REALLY…….??? WOW!! and you wonder why this country is going to hell in a hand basket….people with no humility or compassion for others needs!
Apr 24, 2012
The food stamp program is flawed, of course. What program isn't? But, I don't believe stepping in and placing restrictions on what people can buy with that food assistance is going to help. The majority of the folks on the program already have jobs working as many hours as possible and STILL can't make enough money to be able to provide food for their families all month long. What these families get is only a fraction of what they actually have to end up spending on food. Many people use the help in the same way they use their own money -with coupons, shopping the sales, and trying to make every penny go as far as possible. If you put limits on what a person can buy with their food stamps, how soon will it be that you will want to put limits on what these people can buy with their own money? The sense of self-satisfaction that some of you seem to be getting from being able to make sure that someone else's kid can't have a candy bar or some ice cream because their parents are too poor to pay for it seems a little twisted to me – as is insinuating that the only people on the food stamp program have tons of children just to get government bennefits. It seems like what is being said here is that the people on these programs would prefer to be where they are, rolling in all those government hand-outs (!), rather than being employed making good wages with potential for advancement? Oh, come on! Really? If a person works hard at a job but only makes mininum wage and there is no possibility for advancement, but this person works hard anyway and STILL can't make ends meet for their families – - that's when the food stamp program steps in to help. Should people like this not be able to treat their kids to a frozen pizza or cookies just because they use the food stamp program? hmmm. Interesting opinion.
Apr 24, 2012
why should he GIVE you a job w/ a salary equaling his ? You have neither the experience nor the education to qualify…..what a ridiculous request….so rather than work for what you are actually worth , you will sit on your ass , collect government subsidies and continue voting for politicians ( democrats ) who support giveaway programs .This USS USA will eventually sink as long as the free riding barnacles keep increasing.
Apr 24, 2012
Florin Cristache so it is our fault the the rebublicans screw up this country every damned time they get into the presidency? The politicians are the ones that put us in this mess they call our economeny.When Clinton was in office I had no problem providing for my family. I cannot believe what an assinine comment you just made. Are youi serious, you want to blame people for having children when you do not hold the government accountable for anything. Get a clue about what is going on around you. I suppose the government pays for your fancy education, hopefully you will stay in school because they have taught you nothing about the real world.Wondering if you will pay for that education or stiff the people that helped you get into school in the first place.
Apr 24, 2012
I totally agree. Its supposed to be a helping hand, not a way of life from generation to generation.
Apr 24, 2012
Karen Kaiser How can you blame Obama when it was the republicans that screwed up for 8 years. you expect him to fix in 3 yrs what took 8 to screw us up
Apr 24, 2012
Lisa L. Boogie Griffith u go girl!
Apr 24, 2012
Sheri De Hamstar-Ward because all the good jobs went overseas or they have computors to do the job…but i dont see how the president is to blame …to be truthfull americans are just not smart enough compared to other countries ..I believe we rank 25 in the world for math and science and thats just a shame but people wanna know why there are no good jobs…To be the best country in the world we need the best Education and the best health care for every citizen
Apr 24, 2012
Why should anyone need to PROVIDE you with a job? Go obtain the training and experience necessary to get a job like that and then maybe you can EARN a job like that. That's why some people are doctors and some are secretaries. Everyone can't be the CEO.
Apr 24, 2012
meghanroy I have seen plenty of people who have degrees who cant get a job in the degrees they have. Than there are some that have multiple training and experience but still cant get a job. There are jobs that turn you down because you over qualify for the job so they turn them down for the job. So it depends on the situation that you or whomever is in. Or the state/city/town that you live in as well.
Apr 24, 2012
I know that's right, I applied to mickey dee's that's mc donalds and couldn't get a job with them I said porfavor' and still no dice.
Apr 24, 2012
Hey white people created this wonderful shit, and if white people didn't hold every body back that wasn't white it might be a better country it's the land of the free is it not? this started a long time ago. Shit Obama cleaning up after a white man now he didn't cause the recession to say he made it worse is bullshit republican's wanna stay rich and keep the poor, poor.
Apr 24, 2012
where in my rant do I; show racism or blsme the president? I blame a broken system. I have also been advocating better education for all of our choldren for years. What i am saying is while all those in washington- yes all of them, are millionares and have forgotten or have never known these struggles. To go to bed hungry, tp not have gas, to have to live in a low ses area amd semd your children to that sub par school. The powers that be are too interested in their own life and interests and being prejudiced against the middle and lower classes. like they are dirt. At least that is how they are made to feel. You are right we nerd good educatiom which we are not getting. and our kids cant learn on empty bellys. our
Apr 24, 2012
Last time I looked it was not against the law to not be a Democrat. Nope. And Last I looked it wasn't against the law to voice my opinion. Nowhere in my post did I: Show any Racsist hatred. And as a small person there isn't a damn thing I can do about any corporations, just like there wasn't a damn thing I could do about whom was voted in just becauseI voted. MY POINT was about FOOD STAMPS and about WHOM it effects. If you don't like it, then don't get them, and I hope to God that you never are in a position where your small business goes under, or you are let go and your community is small and you cannot find a job. Period. I AM A CITIZEN OF THE US STATES. My family has been here since the creation of the USA. And I believe in our country and do not want any change that will change us into some other country. I do believe we are being changed into a socialist country with all this "non freedom of speech" crap, I don't care if the president was GREEN. Our education system is a sham due to the teachers unions. They have lawyers- but where are the lawyers to protect the students? they have none. Bullying is rampant. The education of our children is failing, is falling behind other countries. Teachers should be held accountable. Our childrends education and safety should be a priority. Teachers Unions are bankrupting our schools. And without food stamps how are our children supposed to learn on an empty stomache? Not all kids who recieve this have some druggie drunk crappy parents. Open your eyes. The American people need help and fast. Where are all of these jobs we keep being promised? Our local school budgets keep getting cut, not added to. How does that help? It all depends on where you live, what part of the country you are in etc… Calling someone racist, or a "tool of a repulican" just shows you are ignorant yourself. Not open minded enough to see things from both sides. To decide for yourself and understand and make decisions for yourself. Get educated. Quit following the herd.
Apr 24, 2012
PS How can you be racist against Obama who is a mix of WHITE, and black. That is right. He is NOT black. He is NOT Pacific Islander. Not a drop of Hawaiian blood. He is a mix. Just like everyone else in America. Get over yourself.
Apr 24, 2012
It is not against the law to collect food stamps and welfare if you are not a citizen. Just look at California and Arizona who have been tapped out by illegal Mexicans. Because it is humane treatment. They will not turn you away. You can attend public school. We even leave water in the desert to assist their crossover. And of course all those in Washington are Milllionaires and long ago forgot or have never know what it is like to be middle or low class… hence their lack of care and their hatred toward low and middle class people. They hoard all the money. Give it away in foreign aid to countries that lie and cheat and put knives in our backs. Its high time we just mind our own business and keep it at home and take care of our own people. Take a good look around the country and you will see all those in need, children, the elderly, the disabled, schools, etc….
Apr 25, 2012
10 years of food stamps for 45 million people would cost less than what they gave to the banks in the bailout.
Apr 25, 2012
tiffswheels1029 Yes it was screwed and he conviently ignores the economy except when asked about it. Even though polls show the economy is voters most important topic Obama pays lip service and then goes on vacation. He spoke of change and yet all I see is a repeat of Bush Jr
Apr 25, 2012
Tracy Goings No but I expect him to do more then start new wars and vacation in ritzy expensive resort. The man has done nothing but pay lip service to voters and blame everything on Bush Jr. Obama should of cleaned house when he took office and yet he starts out trying to make the head of the IRS a man who should be in jail for not paying his taxes. The mic bit where he didn't know the mics were still on telling the Russian representative wait til he's reelected and not under so much scruntiny and now the Secret Service. And that's just a taste of the scandals that have rocked his office since he's been in it. He makes Bush Jr look good.
Apr 25, 2012
Won't make a difference. A lot of people on Welfare ot SSI are junkies and drunks. It's stated in the rules you cant get SSI if you're a wanted criminal yet a few years ago they found a number of wanted felons on SSI. They just busted some woman who despite winning millions in lotto kept collecting her Welfare check. They busted people working for the federal, city & state gov still collecting unemployment. A few years ago they institued fingerprinting for people on welfare and the rolls dropped becaue people didn't come in for fingerprinting effectively closing their cases. One idiot though came in and they jailed him for recieving welfare in 2 counties. All the medicade and medicare fraud as well. This is reflecting badly on the majority who are good people who would happily get off if they could get a job. I know a senior citizen who is barely getting by because she refuses to aplly for food stamps and heap even though she qualifies because her only income is social security. The problem isn't the poor but the lazy workerd. I saw it first hand when I worked at the welfare office.
Apr 25, 2012
The problem with that is unemployment is a way of life and people have to survive somehow. If the POTUS would do his job instead of passing the buck I might actually talk to a customer service person I can understand. Most have accents or are so lazy in doing their job they can't be bothered to speak clearly. Time Warner rips off customer we pay the bill not the thieves AIG in such desperate need pisses fund given to them twice by Bush Jr and 3 times by Obama despite his knowing they'd spend it on $15,000 a night suites and yet AIG rolls merrily along. Car companies arrive in Washington on private jets to put out their hand for corporate welfare and get it! Ford is the only company that said no thanks and pulled themselves back up. Have any of them paid it back. Car copies are giving bonus to execs and shareholders when they should pay back their debts 1st. If you can't expand your business without taxpayer money you shouldn't be doing it. Our city recently gave a guy corporate welfare to renovate a hotel which housed pedophiles across the street from a public library with a large kids wing to be made into a botique hotel. Who can afford a hotel these days?! Let alone a botique hotel?
Apr 25, 2012
Clara Hatch Actually illegal immigrants are getting food stamps and so on. It was in a news article where Obama waived the need to prove citizenship.
Apr 25, 2012
Not to mention the freebies like designer gowns so designers get publicity. Free trips paid for either by lobbyists or taxpayers and so on. Yet there was a senator who bounced checks a few years back. They're given automatic raises regardless of performance. I go with Twain. "First think you're an idiot. Then think yourself a member of congress. Oh sorry I'm bein redunandt."
Apr 25, 2012
Actually there is already such a rule in place. 2 years welfare, 5 years with kids. Go to work the moment your youngest is 3. They then started to note siblings born 3 years apart so they altered the rule. Any attempt to avoid working by having a kid will fail not to mention might result in legal charges for fraud.
Apr 26, 2012
Karen Kaiser There is no way bush jr could make Obama look bad he did that all on his own when he lied and got us in a war we didn't want to get into nor can afford to get out of.Bush spend millions destroying a country and billions to restore. way to spend American tax $.Bush didn't have an honest bone in his body
Apr 26, 2012
Charles Drayton Looks to me like your the one that needs birth control with 2 kids isn't that outragous of you in the ecomonic times? We poor people did not set out in our live to be poor. I raised 5 kids and worked 4 jobs to support them because it was my responsibility to raise them not anyone else. Unlike you, and the 1% most of this country are the WORKIG poor. Geez who are gonna flip your burgers cuz you can afford to go out to eat, poor people don't. Wo is gonna put salt on your popcorn when you to to the movies at 50$ a pop poor people can't afford the luxury to go to a movie.who is gonna wait on your ass when you go to a rest us poor people don't go out to eat and you want us all to die? who would do all your dirty work cerinally not you.THE WORKING POOR
Apr 26, 2012
you tell them Sheri
Apr 26, 2012
Kimberly Storey I'm sorry but we must be reading our bibles differently. I have always believed that the lord helps those who help themselves. The bible tells you that before removing the beam that is in your brother's eye first remove the mote that is in yours. I take this to mean that you should take care of yourself first so that you would be able to help others. Not like our government who jumps to help foriegn countries that are in need, leaving our own people to suffer. I feel that we should first take care of our own, then when we are doing well, maybe then help those who are in need.
I also don't mean to just allow them to simply exist on the welfare system for their entire life. The government made the food stamps issue a state bill because they didn't want to deal with it. all states are different because of different imcome levels, or that's the excuse they use anyways. when they turned this over to the states they opened a can of worms. The state workers are not going to try to get these people off the system simply because it would cost them their jobs…so you see where this is going?
Apr 26, 2012
Karen Kaiser Guess you haven't seen the latest news about how the GOP Congress has been busted wide open for their treasonous acts to go against the president after he was elected. They don't care about "us", all they care about is power and money, and their corporate backers who can provide if they keep them on top. Read all about it At Huffington Post, or watch the major news networks. Cause God knows Faux "news" network won't tell the truth about the latest news!
Apr 26, 2012
There have been so many times that I have seen people going through the lines with steaks, cakes and power drinks, and paying for them with food stamps. the reason that they allow these items are because without these being purchased with the food stamps a lot of these power drink companies would be out of business very quickly. The working people that are trying to put food on the table can't afford these luxeries. Yes I know that some working people get food stamps, but usually only if they make min. wage or have a lot of kids. You can't tell me that you can't feed a family and feed them well with a small amount money, because I have for years.
Apr 26, 2012
You know I'm not against people getting food stamps. But I am against giving it to people who are not citizens. The program wasn't meant to be for that. I am also against people coming to this country to get SSI, food stamps, Medicade, and free housing. We wonder why we have a dying ecomomy well do you know that in 2009 15 billion went to pay for SSI for foreigners!!!! What's wrong with this picture??
Apr 26, 2012
Amanda Lee Moore Wic is only for Mothers and children school age and below… what about school age kids?
Apr 26, 2012
Internet acess is everywhere nowadays, starbucks, mcdonalds, librarys, malls, cell phones, your moms house, friends, etc… quit acting like everyone who is down on their luck should live in a card board box.
Apr 26, 2012
Dave Blankenship you DO NOT NEED TO BE A CITIZEN. Illegals can qualify for food stamps. Just ask our southern states like California and Arizona, and probably Texas too. Get your fax straight. The state hands out the money. But it is definitley govt funds.
Apr 26, 2012
tiffswheels1029 And that is the descrepancies between states… the govt hands out money to each state. And the state hand out money to the people. Some give out alot more than others. SOme give very little like you have found… Saldy they have been drained by illegal immigrants. Yes that is allowed believe it or not. People need to wake up and fight for what is ours. We worked our whole lives and paid into this system, and now it has been sucked dry by those who have not.
Apr 26, 2012
Drug Testing is unconstitutional. PERIOD They do not test the illegals that come across california and get free everything including amnesty, a drivers license, food stamps, medical care, day care, etc.. etc… They call that humane. How about tackeling that problem first. It is federal funds that the state of California is using.
Apr 26, 2012
They purchase these items because they they are the cheapest. Totinos frozen pizzas are 1 dollar. White rice is cheaper. White bread is cheaper…. get it? In order to eat a REAL nutritionally valualble diet it cost real money. Money that is not provided. Diabetics on disabilaty will never be able to eat proper on 140 per month. Maybe a Wic type program for those adults with a nutritionist, with coupons for healthy foods and a menu may help. But right now, it remains a broken system.
We have to buy as cheap as possible andd stretch the dollar as far as it will possibily go.
Apr 26, 2012
So what you are saying is that you worked for a total of fifteen years and you feel that because of this you are entitled to sit back and live off the government. I hate to say it but you give poor people a bad name. There are those who really need to collect food stamps. These people aren't able to work. I myself worked from the time I was 16 until I was 62. I would have still been working except I was laid off, and then developed COPD. I live on my Social Security which I worked long hours and years to draw. I do not draw food stamps, or any relief of any kind. I raised 3 daughters and worked to keep them fed. Some people are just lazy and think the goverment owes them a living because they managed to get up and go to work for a few years of their life…But truthfully nobody owes you a dang thing!!!
Apr 27, 2012
Dora Strickland Graham …i'm only not working untill my kids start school, so yes, I am entitled!
Apr 27, 2012
tiffswheels1029 well said and if they think that is not work go ahead got there and do it
Apr 27, 2012
Amanda Thedford I'm sorry but where do people get off thinking that they are entitled to government help simply because they choose to have children?? I'm thinking that you should either plan your moves better, or make the most of what happens. If you didn't plan for it then working might be the only honest thing that you can do to raise your children. Simply because you are a stay at home mom doesn't help your children to become better people. But usually when you raise your kids with the concept that the government owes you a living they will follow suit and become a ward of the system also. Don't use your children as an excuse to be lazy!!!
Apr 27, 2012
Dora Strickland Graham …..you are obviously not getting the point. It is better for me to stay home with my kids. I am not going to work so I can give all my money to a daycare and pay some stranger to raise my children. My son knew how to read before he was 2 years old. Do you really think a daycare could have taught him that? No. And i'm not raising my kids to think the government owes them anything. But I worked 15 years paying taxes into this sorry excuse for a government, all the while being told" This money is for someone else who worked all their life( aka Social Security ) but when you are old enough to retire there won't be any money for you" Is that fair? Why should I not collect food stamps for a few years? Is the happiness of my children more important than me "using the system" Your damn right it is! I am not just some random lazy woman who sits around having as many kids as possible so I can see how much money I can get for free. And I would love to hear how you know i'm "using" my kids as an excuse to be lazy!
Apr 27, 2012
Dora Strickland Graham …i'm entitled not because I had my kids but because I paid taxes into a system that WILL NOT be around when I retire. So what entitles you to my tax money when you retire?
Apr 27, 2012
Amanda Thedford, Thing is I am retired, and I paid into the Social Security for 40 some years thats what makes me entitled for Social Security. Odds are that the taxes you paid you probably recieved back in a tax return at the end of the year seeing that you said you started working at the age of fifteen…which was probably a fast food resturant and I'm sure they don't pay more than min. wage. You see Social Security is not through government programs the same as food stamps are..Social Security is earned by working, and if you have a large gap in your earnings you won't be elligable when you are old enough to draw a check. Food stamps like other goverment aided programs come from the Treasury Department, and is supplied by tax monies, which if you recieved all yours back in a refund you can't say that you paid for the food stamp program or any other program for that matter…and no there probably won't be any Social Securityfor you when you reach retirement age because this you have to work to get.
Apr 27, 2012
meghanroy and in which world do you live in? I have a degree and get paid only slightly over minimum wage. I cannot get the experience because I have a degree. The jobs are such that you must have a degree and experience to apply. If I have a freaking degree, then that's what I've been spending the last 4 years doing. I have a degree, just not the experience. How do I get the experience if businesses do not allow the applicants with degrees to apply? I think that's what she was talking about. meghanroy you must live in a perfect little world where you have both, a degree and experience.
Apr 27, 2012
Sheri De Hamstar-Ward….. like like like…. you hit the nail right on the head. I have gone hungry many, many times, too many times!
Apr 27, 2012
Dora Strickland Graham …I never recieved a tax return over 500 dollars before having kids and I assure you, I paid in more than 500.00 a year. And regardless where it comes from the facts are I PAID TAXES and THERE WILL BE NO BENEFITS FOR ANYONE MY AGE from the government when we reach retirement age. Everything I have is from my own 401k. Yes, I have a 401k because I won't get a government check when I retire, no matter how long I work. And if getting food stamps for a few years untill my kids start school, so that I can raise them instead of paying someone else to, then yes, I am entitled. Because I do plan on going back to work and the few years I get food stamps isn't going to compare to the amount of money the government will take from me over my lifetime. I am not someone who plans on having government assistance the whole time I am raising my kids but I am entitled to use it for a few years, just like any other tax paying citizen of this country!
Apr 27, 2012
Lesha B Shaunders You are A+ Correct! If the job doesn't exist in your area, then it doesn't. Look at all the reports of college grads not having jobs when they get out. That is NOT even mentioning all the people who have degrees… Our local McD's (McDonalds) isn't even kids- it is all adults… The highschoolers can't find jobs, and that is usually your first job and where you learn job skills and how to show up on time etc…
So it is far reaching and reverberats throughout society…
Apr 28, 2012
Kathy Lips Whatever gave you an idea they cared for us unless there was something in it for them? Treasonous acts though you think a little much?
Apr 28, 2012
Tracy Goings I'm not saying Bush jr makes Obama look bad but that Obama is so bad he makes Bush Jr look good as impossible and terrifying as that is! Thanks be for the 2 term limit.
Apr 28, 2012
Karen Kaiser this bunch of congressmen and others who attended those "p;otting" meetings have been abd are the pure definition of treasonous! You can spin it any way you choose. I don't get into aruments with those who refuse to WANT the truth. I think of you and the other Repubs zombies. It's like giving medicine to dead people!!
Apr 28, 2012
Karen Kaiser this bunch of congressmen and others who attended those "p;otting" meetings have been abd are the pure definition of treasonous! You can spin it any way you choose. I don't get into aruments with those who refuse to WANT the truth. I think of you and the other Repubs zombies. It's like giving medicine to dead people!!
Apr 28, 2012
Kathy Lips 1st of all I'm not republican 2nd of all you're obviously been Obama brainwashed into believing his lies. It is a senators job to argue for their states. Note I said states not voters and that is in no way treasonous. Obama wants everyone to health insurance and if they don't he wants the government to fine them. Only prob is they'd have insurance if they could afford so making them pay a fine for not having it is asinine. Making people with chronic illness on medicade amd medicare pay 30% of treatment costs which could be $3,000 to $5,000 a pop makes no sense since if they could afford that they wouldn't be on medicade/medicare. Obama is sticking it to the poor as much as he can. His so called rich pays as much as poor languished with no backup in the senate and none from Obama or the white house which left no doubt to the bill being tossed out and is Obama pushing it through again? Not a chance because the lobbyist for corporations paying him under the table wouldn't like it. Obama lips services better then anybody now if he'd stop pretending to work and actually get to work the shock just might kill me.
Apr 28, 2012
Really NY is pretty well up there and it's democrat controlled. Has been for years. I'd check your facts if I were you.
Apr 28, 2012
Dave Blankenship No you don't. Not in NY. Not in any state. I read a article where Obama was offering food stamps, welfare, etc to illegal immigrants.
Apr 28, 2012
Jennifer A MacDonald Library card. The card is free and so is the internet access. There is also other organizations that offer free internet at least here in NY.
Apr 28, 2012
Kimberly Storey Difficult to help others when you can't pay your own bills. People are lucky these days to be employed. I was on welfare years ago and they made me jump through hoops to keep my benefits. Hmos charging $300 for a 6 oz tube of salve. Gouginh people because profits are all that matter. Gas companies claiming because our cities is the last stop on Gas delivery route and that's why we are charged $4 more for the gas then the rest of the state. When you starve because it's the only way to have food for your kids. A choice between heat on a cold winter night from a gas company whose CEO who makes $4000.00 an hour for doing nothing or medicines which dfo you chose? More people are making choices between desperately needed items for their own family and don't have much room for those less fortunate because there are no less fortunate then them.
Apr 28, 2012
No foods today are healthy. Also the most healthy foods are fresh which don't last as long as frozen and are much more expensive but even with the preservatives, food coloring and such nothing is really healthy. They're using carbon dioxde which is a poisionous gas to give meat it's red color longer. Not very healthy in my opinon.
Apr 28, 2012
Dave Blankenship Educate yourself. Government members are in the news for wasting taxpayers money on team building exercises. 3.1 million for a 10 day conference for 30 federal employees. Obama has given money twice to AIG despite their pissing away money given to them 3 separate times by Bush Jr. Wasting taxpayers money on $1500,00 a night suites to party in instead of saving a company supposedly in need. Obama even gave money to a group Bush Jr refused aid money. And once again they pissed away the money and haven't paid it back. Car companies except Ford being given corporate welfare after coming to Washington in private jets. They make a profit do they start to pay back their debt to taxpayers? Nope they give bonus to execs and shareholders and Obama says nothing. No demands that their debt to taxpayers be paid first. Obama is strangely mute on companies taking corporate welfare and then flaunting non payment in our faces
Apr 28, 2012
And which these banks obviously didn't need. Obama's idea for making more jobs is to start another bank. Um is he sane? Supposedly banks are barely holding on and he wants to start another? Banks taking corporat welfare from taxpayers and using it to party and this guy wants to start another?!
Apr 28, 2012
Would love to get a job know of any? More and more companies are firing people while federal government employees are still reciving unemployment checks despite have a job for over a year. Perhaps they can get off of welfare by working as fraud investigators investigating Obamas 1% vbloated corrupt government?
Apr 29, 2012
Amanda Lee Moore Yes and like WIC I do think we need specialized programs for disabled /medical needs persons… Like diabetes. Sure it will cost more to feed him. But with a nutritionist, a coupon and a menu with a PROPER allowance to buy the food those people need we would actually lessen their medical costs- which cost the people money. However, normal average families who have to budget a tiny amount monthly and live on ramen, pbandJ, they are NOT allotting enough for a person to sustain their BMI. For real. In children, this is dangerous. I don't even know how anyone is buying pop with stamps unless it is a soda or two for a treat for their kid. (come on you gotta give in sometime, poor guy) and Totinos pizzas are a dollar. Another unhealthy but kid friendly meal. Whereas a box of cheereos here costs 8 bucks. Go figure… Milk 8 bucks too… We need an overhaul of the system, but not a cut. We need to feed the people, and be smart about it, improve health, lose weight, manage disease, it'll save medical costs in the long run. And feeding our children enough and correctly will feed their brains right all thruought their school career so they may learn. After eating cheap junk like that day after day, month after month if a family wants fish or steak or chicken, give them a break, let them have it and on their food stamps. People don't know if they had one meal today or three or none. But what I do know know is that what they dole out monthly divided by days in the month divided by meals divided by people equals like 2 dollars. What are you gonna eat on that?
Apr 29, 2012
Dora Strickland Graham I think she means she had a kid and then it didn't make sense to work because it costs more to send her kid to daycare than she gets paid after expenses etc… many people get shoved into this position. Especially if they are single or they are not married to a "well to do" person." That doesn't make her deserve a tonge lashing. Really it comes down to feeding the kid. Why must people keep refferring to moms at home as Lazy? When I was a stay at home mom I wasn't lazy. They had me running all over the place. And I wasn't on food stamps, but we were hungry. Not to mention your household duties etc…. Why have kids if you just wanna dump and run? You are the most important person to your child. And when you have a child you can't read the future, things may have been grand, as perfect as can be… plently of money, a husband, all dreams fullfilled… until the bottom fell out… and then you are shamed for asking for help? No, that's not right. Your child should learn to ask for help. And then learn how to give it back. (when able and in whatever form ya can). This subject get so heated and really it comes down to are you hungry? Do you qualify?
Apr 29, 2012
Dora Strickland Graham I think she means she had a kid and then it didn't make sense to work because it costs more to send her kid to daycare than she gets paid after expenses etc… many people get shoved into this position. Especially if they are single or they are not married to a "well to do" person." That doesn't make her deserve a tonge lashing. Really it comes down to feeding the kid. Why must people keep refferring to moms at home as Lazy? When I was a stay at home mom I wasn't lazy. They had me running all over the place. And I wasn't on food stamps, but we were hungry. Not to mention your household duties etc…. Why have kids if you just wanna dump and run? You are the most important person to your child. And when you have a child you can't read the future, things may have been grand, as perfect as can be… plently of money, a husband, all dreams fullfilled… until the bottom fell out… and then you are shamed for asking for help? No, that's not right. Your child should learn to ask for help. And then learn how to give it back. (when able and in whatever form ya can). This subject get so heated and really it comes down to are you hungry? Do you qualify?
May 10, 2012
Heather Coulson Welfare reform? What about the 500 billion spent in Afghanistan? We don't even need to be there. 500 billion dollars would cover the food stamp program in america for at least 8 years but probably 10. Which do you think is more important? Spending billions across seas or covering expenses here so that the billions could go back into our economy?
May 15, 2012
Sometimes you need to start small and work your way up' with good work ethics it should not take long….