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Food stamp use soars in Mass.
Boston Globe ^ | 7/23/2008 | Jonnelle Marte

Posted on 07/23/2008 5:11:33 AM PDT by jstassis

Massachusetts, which earlier this decade had the lowest percentage of eligible residents using food stamps, now has the fastest-growing food-stamp program in the country, a dramatic turnaround that state officials attribute to soaring food prices and a simplified application process.

(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events; US: Massachusetts
KEYWORDS: foodstamp; nannystate; welfare
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Reading on, this is what "simplified" means:

"In June, the state changed its asset requirements for recipients and no longer considers bank accounts, retirement accounts, or property ownership when determining eligibility."

Conveniently, the article found somebody in a wheelchair that qualified. No hint or speculation of possible abuse of the program were mentioned.

1 posted on 07/23/2008 5:11:34 AM PDT by jstassis
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To: jstassis

It’s been my experience feeding cats leads to more barn rats ... apparently no different in the Bay State.


2 posted on 07/23/2008 5:16:00 AM PDT by mgc1122
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To: jstassis

I’ve been behind these people in grocery lines before not only buying food I can’t afford, but driving off in late model cars I can’t afford either. I’m beginning to think I should apply so we can get at least a few of my tax dollars back. Does anyone know how to go about it? Or is everyone on this forum working stiffs like me who doesn’t have time to play these games?


3 posted on 07/23/2008 5:17:37 AM PDT by Vigilanteman (Are there any men left in Washington? Or, are there only cowards? Ahmad Shah Massoud)
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To: jstassis

Are they mailing food stamps out to everyone?


4 posted on 07/23/2008 5:18:01 AM PDT by x_plus_one (let them eat cake, drive small electric cars and take the bus..........)
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To: Vigilanteman

In an election year, food stamps are good politics for poverty pimps.


5 posted on 07/23/2008 5:18:38 AM PDT by x_plus_one (let them eat cake, drive small electric cars and take the bus..........)
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To: mgc1122
Not focused yet, first cup'o'joe in hand, I thought it said

Food Stamps on Mars.

About overextending the space program?

6 posted on 07/23/2008 5:18:38 AM PDT by norraad ("What light!">Blues Brothers)
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To: jstassis
Typically, a family of four that includes children under 19 must make less than $42,408 annually to qualify for food stamps. In April, Massachusetts households enrolled in the program receive an average of $181 a month, up from $158 in 2003.

So, you make 40K a year, but have property holdings worth $1 million, you can still qualify for food stamps? Sweet.

How about this novel idea: Rather than paying taxes through the nose and the government skimming off about 75% for administration and sending back 25% in benefits, let the people keep 100% of their taxes and use all of it for themselves so they don't need benefits. (But then, politicians couldn't use political largesse to buy votes - silly me.)

7 posted on 07/23/2008 5:23:31 AM PDT by randita
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To: jstassis

they spent millions advertising on hundreds of radio stations

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/outreach/radio-buys.htm

and handing out instructions in 34 languages

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/outreach/translations.htm

and check out the tv ad IN SPANISH

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/outreach/psas.htm


8 posted on 07/23/2008 5:26:21 AM PDT by edzo4
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To: x_plus_one

sorry this is the link to the tv ad in spanish

mms://151.121.2.21/content/fns/spanishigh.wmv

the other link is to the list of all tv ads


9 posted on 07/23/2008 5:28:54 AM PDT by edzo4
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To: jstassis

There were ads on the radio about “nutritional assistance” programs and how to apply for them here in Ill annoy awile back, re%$&@*#*diculous!


10 posted on 07/23/2008 5:29:19 AM PDT by kickonly88
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To: jstassis
...a dramatic turnaround that state officials attribute to soaring food prices...

Not to mention an influx of immigrants, legal and otherwise.

11 posted on 07/23/2008 5:30:50 AM PDT by mewzilla (In politics the middle way is none at all. John Adams)
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To: kickonly88

You got people bailing outta the state. MA’s fixing to lose a House seat or two after the next census. MA needs warm bodies. This is a way to get them.


12 posted on 07/23/2008 5:32:11 AM PDT by mewzilla (In politics the middle way is none at all. John Adams)
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To: Vigilanteman

Do you live in any of these states? See if you qualify. It sucks to be a responsible, productive citizen, doesn’t it? ;)

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/applicant_recipients/APPLY.HTM


13 posted on 07/23/2008 5:36:32 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (Save The Earth. It's The Only Planet With Chocolate.)
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To: jstassis
The American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay hired some part-time workers four years ago and recruited more translators to help people at their food pantries apply for food stamps.

Golly. What language do you suppose...

14 posted on 07/23/2008 5:41:27 AM PDT by TLI ( ITINERIS IMPENDEO VALHALLA)
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To: jstassis

Well....cigarettes are now over $6....so they need more free $$$$$ for food.


15 posted on 07/23/2008 5:42:14 AM PDT by ElectricStrawberry (27th Infantry Regiment...cut in half during the Clinton years.)
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To: jstassis

And this time, no Soc Sec # needed. In Dukakis’ day, applications required an SS number. When illegals applied, the standing order from the Governor was to write in a SS number anyhow.. jst make one up. It was liek that for quite a while until someone at the Boston Herald found out and it hit the papers. Of course, no one went to jail for that felony.


16 posted on 07/23/2008 5:42:51 AM PDT by theDentist (Qwerty ergo typo : I type, therefore I misspelll.)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

I live in Wisconsin. I lost my job in January. Household monthly income for 3 is just under $3000.00 gross. We have no health insurance. I tried but am not entitled to any freebies. The woman from the state told me I should have my husband cut his hours by 4 per week. That would make us eligible for food stamps, insurance, heat assistance etc.
Great, not only do they tell you when you are not eligible, they also tell you how to become eligible. Idiots!


17 posted on 07/23/2008 7:02:06 AM PDT by mouse1 (a vote for mccain is a vote against obama)
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To: mouse1

I know. We’ve had a rough past two years, too, with starting up a new business. We’re not starving, but I’ve often wondered if we would qualify for anything...


18 posted on 07/23/2008 7:05:40 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (Save The Earth. It's The Only Planet With Chocolate.)
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To: jstassis
Are we a capitalist or socialist nation? Or are we a hybrid of both? Think about it....the govt. extorts huge amounts of $$ tax from producers for redistribution to takers.

We are a capitalist nation controlled and regulated by a socialist government!

19 posted on 07/23/2008 7:22:04 AM PDT by tflabo (Truth or tyranny)
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To: jstassis

It seems that the MA Food Stamp website is proudly proclaiming this headline.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2modulechunk&&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions&L3=Department+of+Transitional+Assistance&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=dta_c_foodnut_foodstamps&csid=Eeohhs2

How’s that for a web address!


20 posted on 07/23/2008 9:14:49 AM PDT by mowowie
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