Thread: No Lottery Tickets for Welfare Recipients

Are you guys really okay with assistance money being spent on whatever? I do not want to regulate every dime, but I also think that there is some waste that could be trimmed

Originally Posted by mom3girls

Are you guys really okay with assistance money being spent on whatever? I do not want to regulate every dime, but I also think that there is some waste that could be trimmed

With WIC, you are given checks that have to be spent exactly how they say. With Food Stamps you are given a card that you can use like a debt card only it can only be used to buy certain things. My understanding is that the proposed law does not work that way. My understanding was that if you are on either of those programs or another program, then with the money you have that is not from Assistance, that you got another way, (such as a birthday gift, wages from a job, or you found it) can not be spent on Lotto tickets. I think assistance money should be spent for what it in intended, but am talking about other money. This law would make it so the shop owner would not be allowed to sell lotto tickets to someone he or she knows is on Assistance regardless of how they pay for it. For example, say my sister was on assistance (she is not), and I asked her to pick me up a lotto ticket on her way home from work and gave her the money to do so. It would then be illegal for her to do so? It just seems crazy to me that being on assistance would make it illegal to do something that is perfectly legal to everyone else. Or, I look poor and the shop keeper does not approve of what I am buying so he does not have to serve me?

Originally Posted by AlyssaEimers

It just seems crazy to me that being on assistance would make it illegal to do something that is perfectly legal to everyone else. Or, I look poor and the shop keeper does not approve of what I am buying so he does not have to serve me?

This is definitely a bad law even though the intentions behind it may have been good. It is totally unenforceable and would never work.

I'm sure you ladies know that I need to you to get back on the debate topic. Please and thank you.

Originally Posted by mom3girls

Are you guys really okay with assistance money being spent on whatever? I do not want to regulate every dime, but I also think that there is some waste that could be trimmed

This proposed bill also covers those in bankruptcy.

My X had to file bankruptcy a few years ago due to getting laid off. He probably received assistance in addition to his unemployment. Over the two years he was unemployed, he built up CS arrearage, lost his house, and I think maybe his vehicle. But I still wouldn't begrudge him a lottery ticket, a 6-pack, or smokes. I really don't care that he owed me thousands in CS, his unemployment ran out, or if he was on AFDC. He served in the military for 4 years and worked for over a decade before getting laid off. Surely he has paid in enough into the "system" to receive AFDC, food stamps, or any other government aid and not feel guilty or be judged for smoking.

You don't know what people are going through that lands them in bankruptcy or on government assistance.

Originally Posted by ethanwinfield

This proposed bill also covers those in bankruptcy.

My X had to file bankruptcy a few years ago due to getting laid off. He probably received assistance in addition to his unemployment. Over the two years he was unemployed, he built up CS arrearage, lost his house, and I think maybe his vehicle. But I still wouldn't begrudge him a lottery ticket, a 6-pack, or smokes. I really don't care that he owed me thousands in CS, his unemployment ran out, or if he was on AFDC. He served in the military for 4 years and worked for over a decade before getting laid off. Surely he has paid in enough into the "system" to receive AFDC, food stamps, or any other government aid and not feel guilty or be judged for smoking.

You don't know what people are going through that lands them in bankruptcy or on government assistance.

Yep, I agree. I live a pretty comfortable life and don't really want for anything. I can't relate to feeling such a sense of OWNERSHIP of over the pittance of TANF or WIC or welfare money that some people receive that I would begrudge their CHILD a candy bar. People act like that lottery ticket is like the cause of our budget woes or something! Put it in perspective, people! I willingly give money to people panhandling. I don't then follow them around to see where they spend it and if it is on something I don't like I try to wrestle it away from them. I don't know anyone on any form of assistance. It seems in these debates the "other side" seems to know a "ton" of people "abusing the system". All I can say is that I fervently hope that you are reporting them, even if they are your family, if this bothers you so very much.

Originally Posted by ethanwinfield

This proposed bill also covers those in bankruptcy.

My X had to file bankruptcy a few years ago due to getting laid off. He probably received assistance in addition to his unemployment. Over the two years he was unemployed, he built up CS arrearage, lost his house, and I think maybe his vehicle. But I still wouldn't begrudge him a lottery ticket, a 6-pack, or smokes. I really don't care that he owed me thousands in CS, his unemployment ran out, or if he was on AFDC. He served in the military for 4 years and worked for over a decade before getting laid off. Surely he has paid in enough into the "system" to receive AFDC, food stamps, or any other government aid and not feel guilty or be judged for smoking.

You don't know what people are going through that lands them in bankruptcy or on government assistance.

This is the reason that I dont believe that what is purchased should be regulated completely. I would love to think that people are more careful with finances when they are on assistance, but I dont want to regulate.

Originally Posted by ClairesMommy

Yeah, it's funny now that Melissa is back that the board has been busier than ever. Must be because everone hates debating with her. Or maybe that should be....Everyone hates debating with her because she's smart and to-the-point. I have had many, many opposing opinions with her. The posts we disagree on are often more interesting than the posts we do agree on. That's what makes a debate interesting and embroiling. The respect factor is huge, but it works both ways.

I don';t hate debating with her, lol! Don't say everyone

Originally Posted by Alissa_Sal

I'm sure you ladies know that I need to you to get back on the debate topic. Please and thank you.

NO!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by mom3girls

This is the reason that I dont believe that what is purchased should be regulated completely. I would love to think that people are more careful with finances when they are on assistance, but I dont want to regulate.

I would actually love to see some sort of financial counseling for people on assistance, but I agree, I dont think all purchases should be regulated.