Well, hells bells, ali...what more do you think we as taxpayers should do?
Really?
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Section 8/Hud Housing Almost impossible to get and if you do there are strict rules and inspections and so on. The list for regular Section 8 is closed and the wait for low income housing are at least 2 years long. My sister works for section 8. Not easy at all. I don't think people say hey this is what I want to do so I can get reduced housing.
There are people NOW living in the new housing where KP used to be, in the new housing off of Victory Drive, who pay eight dollars a month rent, with eight hours a month of community service. Yeah, I imagine there is quite a list, even a two year list...but once you're in, you're in.
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LIHEAP Most families get one grant up to $750. Maybe 3 months of electriv bill. The other grant is for elderly, disabled or families with kids under 3. It is $150. I don't think people go out of there way not to work so they can get this, in fact working people could qualify under certain guidelines
Oh My God, only $750 to apply towards their electirc bill. And guess what, the amount of the grants are based on the amount designated by the federal and state governments. Some years one amount, another year another amount.
Either way, I'd be happy if AmerenIP said hey, we are giving you a twenty five to thirty percent discount on your power bill, based on $250 a month usage. I think it would be more than three months of service considering your spring and fall months, but hey, that's just how we roll here in our house. Open the windows and get a breeze, low power bill in mild months. _________________________________________________
WIC No where near all your dairy, grains, veggie's etc. Yes it helps, but it comes no where near all. You have to be pregnant or have a child under 5.
Or several children under five, I posted the list, this hardly reads like slim pickens to me.
Whole milk? Tuna? Juice? Peanut Butter? Fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables? Cereals and grains? Wheat bread? Rice? Cheese? Baby food and formula? Eggs?
Why do you think this is inappropriate or inadequate?
If you are receiving assistance food wise, I think you need to belly up to the old stove and actually cook, and this list along with what is provided through link should adequately provide decent, cooked meals, not out of a box or a frozen food aisle.
And you WIC allowance is based on how many childrlen you have aged five and under, if you have three, you are provided for three and a parent. ________________________________________________
I was going to argue this point by point, but I have no more desire to do so.
So, I just have to ask....what is your solution?
Double all the benefits?
You see, I don't think the point of public aid, or all the resources I listed is to be ALLURING.
I think it is to provide TEMPORARY HELP for folks who have fallen on hard times...and you throwing the "they only get help for five years" out there, I just have to ask...seriously, you don't think five years is long enough?
Most on welfare don't get section 8...and you know this how? HUD Housing is ABUNDANT in Granite City alone, at this point this city is probably over fifty percent rental and a lot of them are HUD approved. The apartments on Maryville Road (Parkview) are far from ghetto quality, actually a lot better than a lot of old folks live in are HUD. I know SEVERAL single mother who live there, they are the same age as some of my chldren, they waited NO WHERE near two years to be approved and housed.
You know all this really doesn't matter, because I see all that I listed as a means to help a person or a family to get a foothold during hard times. Not something enticing or alluring to encourage life long career recipients to continue sucking the life blood out of these programs.
AND I HAVE NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER WITH A WORKING FAMILY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THESE PROGRAMS IF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE. I THINK THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE DESIGNED FOR.