Shrub's 2006 budget: 300,000 may lose food stamps

[rainbow4321]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/051705dnmetfoodstamps.b51b1288.html


Nationwide, about 18 million people receive food stamps. Another 16 million leave $9 billion in unclaimed benefits, according to the study based on the 2000 census.

The main reason: Many people do not know that they are eligible, Mr. Fellowes said. The agency stresses that state and local leaders educate residents about the program and simplify the application process to boost participation. Meanwhile, budget cuts under the Bush administration's proposed 2006 budget could jeopardize food stamps for 300,000 participants.

A family of four must earn $2,043 or less a month and have less than a certain level of assets to qualify for food stamps.

<snip>

Ms. Rice, who said she had no food at home, said she got cut off the food stamps for three months for not attending a required jobs program. She said she tried to attend but could not get admitted because she had her children with her. She said she expected childcare to be provided, but it was not. She will be eligible to reapply for the program next month. "It's just a hassle," Ms. Rice said, adding that she's having trouble finding a job.

[Tux]

1. Yet

People can't get jobs even for food stamps since they can't get a job that can pay the bills and pay for day care nor will a company provide it. Plus the right wants to ban birth control pills, abortion, and condoms so this will be more common. Thanks, red states.

[FreedomAngel82]

2. So sad

:cry: God I hate this. But the gay's can't marry! :mad:

[rainbow4321]

6. Gets worse: They'll have to choose: Drugs or food $$ ???

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0508-05.htm

Elderly people with low incomes may lose some of their food stamps if they sign up for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, the Bush administration said Saturday.

When Medicare begins covering drugs in January, older Americans will spend less of their own money on drugs and will therefore have more to spend on food, reducing their need for food stamps, officials said.

The document, addressed to elderly and disabled people who receive food stamps, says, "You may qualify for extra help paying for your Medicare prescription drug costs." But it adds, "If you qualify for extra help, your food stamp benefits may decline."

The document, prepared by the Health and Human Services Department, tells Medicare beneficiaries: "With the Medicare prescription drug coverage, you may see your food stamp benefits go down as you spend less on drugs. Using the new Medicare benefit means you will have more cash to spend on food that you used to spend on prescription drugs."

[Darranar]

3. "Compassionate conservatism." n/t

[kentuck]

4. Let 'em eat cake!

Tough love. Compassionate conservatism.

[MidwestTransplant]

5. Who was it that said that? Jesus?