Food stamp use soars in Mass.

Boston Globe ^ | 7/23/2008 | Jonnelle Marte

[jstassis]

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.

[mgc1122]

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

[Vigilanteman]

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?

[x_plus_one]

Are they mailing food stamps out to everyone?

[x_plus_one]

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

[norraad]

Not focused yet, first cup'o'joe in hand, I thought it said

Food Stamps on Mars.

About overextending the space program?

[randita]

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.)

[edzo4]

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

[edzo4]

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

[kickonly88]

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

[mewzilla]

...a dramatic turnaround that state officials attribute to soaring food prices...

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

[mewzilla]

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.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

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

[TLI]

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...

[ElectricStrawberry]

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

[theDentist]

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.

[mouse1]

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!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

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...

[tflabo]

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!

[mowowie]

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!