And maybe we could deliver benefits but keep cash out of people’s hands. For example, isn’t Section 8 rent paid directly by the government to the landlord for people on public assistance? Use the same concept so that people can go grocery shopping, and draw down an account set up for them at a supermarket chain, but don’t give them actual money. Set up similar accounts at Wal-Mart so they can go shopping, but again, don’t give them access to the actual cash money.
There’s got to be a way to deliver aid to the poor without all the scams and problems and using the money for other than the basic necessities of life.
But again, that just allows people to hide the fact they are on welfare. We need to make welfare a stigma again.
doesn’t matter. you can get around anything.
people around here will use their card to buy food for friends and family, then trade for alcohol, cigarettes, cash, etc.
There was - before the feds screwed things up, you had to appear in person before someone at your town or county welfare office and had to convince them that you were both in need and deserving of help.
Only after confirming your situation, and confirming that your relatives and/or church didn't have the resources to help you, would you receive aid.
The next time you appeared at the local welfare office, besides the above, you'd have to show that you had taken steps to get off welfare - if not, maybe the town or county gives your kids to more responsible family members or foster parents and tells you to get out of town.
they used to be called churches and fraternal organizations.