First we learned that California taxpayers were funding welfare recipients’ casino and cruise ship expenses. On Monday, there’s this development from the LA Times:
California welfare recipients will no longer be able to use their state-issued debit cards at medical marijuana shops, psychics, massage parlors and many other businesses whose services have been deemed “inconsistent” with the goals of the program.
The Schwarzenegger administration sent a letter to county welfare directors on Monday announcing that ATMs and point-of-sale card readers in such business will be removed from the network that accepts California’s Electronic Benefits Transfer cards.
Monday’s letter announced that the cards, which access cash meant to help families pay rent and clothe their children, also will no longer work at bail bond establishments, bingo halls, cruise ships, gun shops, bars, racetracks, smoking shops and tattoo parlors.
The blog goes on to say that state officials declined to say how much public money had been spent on the businesses that are now banned.
Meantime, at the Agriculture Department in D.C., they’re sending tax dollars to dead people. Lots and lots of dead people.
This abuse of public money is shameful. The safety net is meant to lend a temporary helping hand to folks who are genuinely in need. While the abusers were making withdrawals at casinos and psychic shops, other people were struggling to feed and clothe their families.
