SpringfieldNewsSun.com

By t

March 31, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Taxpayers you can all SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!Not my fault their is lack of affordable housing, food, gas and childcare in my state! One major retailer would rather promote, give raises and all the hrs to teens. Most of them live at home with their Mommy/Daddy’s who pay for their Brand New BMW’s and $50,000 suvs!!! What happened to rewarding people who support kids, disabled or the ederly.

By t

March 31, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Taxpayers you can all SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!Not my fault their is lack of affordable housing, food, gas and childcare in my state! One major retailer would rather promote, give raises and all the hrs to teens. Most of them live at home with their Mommy/Daddy’s who pay for their Brand New BMW’s and $50,000 suvs!!! What happened to rewarding people who support kids, disabled or the ederly.

By t

March 31, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Taxpayers you can all SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!Not my fault their is lack of affordable housing, food, gas and childcare in my state! One major retailer would rather promote, give raises and all the hrs to teens. Most of them live at home with their Mommy/Daddy’s who pay for their Brand New BMW’s and 50,000 suvs!!! What happened to rewarding people who support kids, disabled or the ederly.

By t

March 31, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

We were on food stamps/ wic energy assistance for years. That’s all we qualified for. We bought generic foods, ramen noodles. No steaks, chips, soda, snack foods. We never abused the system. Severe medical problems hospitalmedical bills, job loss, reduced pay/hrs, lack of affordable childcare/housing increase in gas/ electricty forced us to use assistance. Try supporting a family of 4 on 14,000/year when average state median income for family of 4 is 66,0000. Even higher in our county.

By deb

March 31, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

I agree with Julie, I have to be able to pass a drug test for my job, anyone who is on welfare should have to do the same, single mothers with children should kick out the unemployed boyfriends.

By joe

March 31, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

somedays I dont eat to make sure there is food for my kids at the end of the month. Instead of gripeing or makeing comments about birthcontrol or people on welfare being bums why dont you complain to the right people and get some decent jobs in this town or do your part by donateing your extra food to a food bank. If your not part of the solution your part of the problem…

By joe

March 31, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

somedays I dont eat to make sure there is food for my kids at the end of the month. Instead of gripeing or makeing comments about birthcontrol or people on welfare being bums why dont you complain to the right people and get some decent jobs in this town or do your part by donateing your extra food to a food bank. If your not part of the solution your part of the problem…

By Joe

March 31, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

To those of you who dont know what theyre talkin about Shut Up. We have 3 children and my fiancee works 40 hours a week in london, and I have a collage education from clark state but I have to deal with crappy retail jobs because I live in springfield. With the riseing cost of everything it gets harder and harder for a family to make it. We dont have expensive clothes, Dont spend our money for drugs or alcohol, our car is continually breaking down because we cant afford a better one, and

By my2cents

March 30, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

It all begins w/ birth control. If instead of paying all the medical for as many mouths as you want to have, how about some birth control to stop the hemorraging. Stop having kids you can’t feed!! You should have to take a test to become a parent, it shouldn’t just be a given, thats whats wrong w/ society today, parents not parenting but having more and more. Elderly and disabled (genuinely) are who deserves the benefits that WE work for.

By A

March 30, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

CONT’D…..I HAVE BEEN ON BOTH SIDES AS A SINGLE MOTHER, WHEN I NEEDED FOOD STAMPS THAN I USED THEM. NO RECIPIENT LIKES TO BE DEPENDENT ON THE SYSTEM,HOWEVER THERE ARE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT HAS HINDER THERE PROGRESS, THERE ARE REQIREMENTS SET IN PLACE THAT WILL HELP PEOPLE OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT. THERE ARE ABUSERS IN EVERYTHING WE DO, HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE CHEATED ON THEIR TAXES TO GET MORE MONEY?

By A

March 30, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

TO ALL THOSE KNOW IT ALLS, IT IS A SHAME THAT YOU ARE ALL SO JUDGEMENTAL ABOUT PEOPLE. DON’T YOU KNOW THAT EVERYONE IS A PAYCHECK AWAY FROM RECIEVING FOODSTAMPS. EVERYONE IS SO QUICK TO POINT OUT A PROBLEM, NO ONE IS OFFERING SOLUTIONS. PEOPLE CAN EAT WHAT THEY WANT TO EAT. THER IS EIGHT PEOPLE IN MY FAMILY, I DO NOT RECIEVE ANY ASSISTANCE, BOTH MY HUSBAND AND I MAKE LESS THAN 50,OOO. BUT IF WE WANT STEAK WE WILL EAT IT, WHAT I’M SAYING IT IS A MATTER OF CHOICE.

By lisa fitzwater

March 30, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

I also think that the welfare system is messed up. We have to work in London because it is hard to find a decent paying job in springfield, so gas prices eat us up. I think that if people had a chance to have a good paying job they would get off welfare.I also believe that a lot of people are ashamed for being on welfare. What are they supposed to do? If they get a job its either through a temp service or it doesnt pay enough to lose there food stamps or pay higher rent or pay their childcare.

By Urbana

March 30, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Yes , the system needs revamped!! There are those who truly CAN NOT work or have disabled children that Do need HELP. On the other hand I have seen People abuse the system with a working girlfriend or boyfriend living with them in section 8 housing that do not report it. They shop at the mall and have faimly members sign for loans on new cars for them. If you are buying a home or have a car payment you can NOT get any help when you fall on hard times unless you give up what you have WORKED for..

By Julie

March 30, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

I really think you should have to pass a drug screening to recieve any kind of aid from the goverment. This would save a lot of welfare money. How is this any different than federal school money, to get grants for school you cant have any drug convictions. Just my thought on this problem.

By Nancy

March 30, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

To those of you who work hard & do everything that you can possibly do to make ends meet, I applaud you. However, I find it very disheartenig to read comments posted by the users & abusers of our social assistance programs. You haven’t earned anything & laziness is NOT a handicap or disability. If you’re unemployed, figure out what YOU did wrong, and then FIX it!!

By Little Tigger

March 30, 2008 4:48 AM | Link to this

I wish someone would give me a job. I can do repair work, video editing, fix appliances, and what does “job services” try to get me?

All the jobs I stink at and therefore I get fired.

I go to jobs mylelf without “job services” help and what do they do?

They dont hire me when I am really the good one, who do they hire?

The Bob Normal idiot who cant know a capacitor from a metal oxide semiconductor.

Then these sawme idiots beanhatch about me being on disability?

Give me a job I can do (or

By Christy

March 29, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

The whole food stamp system is a joke here in Clark County. I am a hard worker and it sucked having to into the welfare office a year ago to get assistance. we have no children and were offered $10 a month. we begged them to give us a little more just for one month because we literally had no food. but you will see women with 5 kids dressed in really expensive clothing and doesn’t work at all, but will get a lot of money for food. i think it’s stupid.

By jcat1

March 29, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Everyone out there should understand that the problem is GEORGE BUSH!!!!!!!!!

By Joyful Mama

March 29, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

continued…we have a nice room for her to stay in here at the house - just like in the old days. The wisdom of past generations should not be thrown out the window! :) Dear people, when will you realize that it is not the President who makes our lives miserable?! NOT ALL, but most of our misery is our own doing, poor choices we have made! Our Constitution guarantees “life, liberty and the PURSUIT of happiness” - achieving happiness is our responsibility!!! :)

By Joyful Mama

March 29, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Continuation…My husband and I have been married for over 20 years and we have 8 children. We have had our share of HARD times. But we NEVER thought it was anyone else’s responsibility to take care of our family. You scrimp, you save. Grandma’s old saying is true: Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without! We’ve done extra babysitting, mowing lawns, selling home-made bread etc… We have grown and canned a good bit of our own food. And when Grandma can’t make it on her own,

By Joyful Mama

March 29, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

What I would like to know is, whoever said it was the government’s job to feed, clothe and house everyone?! We live in a wonderful country where everyone is given a decent education (if they want one - and apply themselves a bit). Every public library is full of resources to further your education and skills. Every county has numerous FREE (or reduced cost) training opportunities. If you don’t like where you are at financially, do something about it yourself. More later…….

By DisposableMan

March 29, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

These are the same women that parade around claiming they are strong, smart and independent, right? Well, suck it up like the men do and get to work.

By Disposable Man

March 29, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

These are the same women that parade around claiming they are strong, smart and independent, right? Well, suck it up like the men do and get to work.

By Clark Co resident

March 29, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Those who receive food stamps and can work, should try to get a job. Those who are disabled either mentally or physically, should remain on food stamps.

My husband is receiving SSD and couldn’t work full time if he wanted to. He does work part time and is in tremendous pain even with medication. I work two jobs and have done so for the last sixteen years.

I am glad that we are able to contribute to the local food pantries through our church so that others in need can benefit.

By Justin

March 29, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

If you want food, just steal it. Jail food is free too.

By Abby

March 29, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

I think everyone should be greatful for the things they are given, rather than complain about it.

All I can say is that it must be nice to get anything free.

We have barely enough to survive in this world but we make too much to get anything for free.

I have asthma, allergies, chronic migraines and can not get food stamps or disability, so I go to work week after week pain and all, and am thankful for my little tiny check I get each week.

By Steve

March 29, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Don’t blame the trucking industry, it’s not their fault. Fuel cost is what we need to look at, and your Rep. can control that. Fuel is market driven. The Feds are deverting 155,000 barrels a day to the reserve, they are competing against us, (with our money) and driving the price of crude up. So write to your Congressman

By Someone who cares

March 29, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Hi Michael

I am sorry to hear about your wife. It sounds like you figured out that in Ohio its tough to get a disability. They usually deny alot of people.. We know first hand. My sister has been trying to get hers for 3 years in Ohio for Schizophrenia, moved to Kentucky and after starting the procedure all over again was given her disability in less than 9 months.

By Steve

March 29, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

I agree the ssi, and welfare systems are flawed, but theses comments are falling on deaf ears. I’m not convinced the right people read these comments, so write to your Congressman. You can go to www.oh.gov to find your district Rep. And remember he or she is elected. Your Rep. won’t be able to fix welfare or SSI, but he can fix what’s causing the skyrocketing prices. Transportation costs is the main reason we’re paying almost $4.00 a gallon for milk right now, not because the cow got a raise.

By Former Recip.

March 29, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

I work and pay my taxes. When we went through a hard patch we depened on the Dept. of Jobs and Family Services, and that helped ALOT. Here is one thing that people might not realize is that if you DON’T work they MAKE you work for them at different places to get food stamps and a welfare check. Also I think that they should crack down on people who don’t tell the truth about everyone in the household like boyfriends, girlfriends, etc, who work. So they still have money coming in.

By cranic

March 29, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

i work a job making more than 50,000 per year ,and with three kids,mortgage,car payment,light,gas bills phone bills,water,trash,insurance,gas in my cars its hard to put food on the table,its starting to get to the point where my kids clothes are growing small becuase its hard to afford them new (we do shop goodwill)even at last years wage of 52,357 it sounds like a lot,but just getting by after its all done said and over with.i cannot imagine what its like living on minimum wage salery.

By cranic

March 29, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

i work a job making more than 50,000 per year ,and with three kids,mortgage,car payment,light,gas bills phone bills,water,trash,insurance,gas in my cars its hard to put food on the table,its starting to get to the point where my kids clothes are growing small becuase its hard to afford them new (we do shop goodwill)even at last years wage of 52,357 it sounds like a lot,but just getting by after its all done said and over with.i cannot imagine what its like living on minimum wage salery.

By Mechanicsburg residence

March 29, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

We are a struggling family of five who can not get help from job and family services in champaign county because the regulations are set so low. If we lived in Logan, Clark, or Union counties we would get help. One of us has a ruptured disk and a cracked disk in our back and also extremely low platets which is not controllable. This one who is having the health issues finds it hard to get employment because no one wants to hire anyone with problems such as this. The other one is working.

By Paul

March 29, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

An excellent article by Kelli Mori and photo by Marshall Gorby that put a human face on the increasing number of deserving, poverty stricken people in Springfield who come to our hard-pressed food pantries for help. Meanwhile Bush and his clone McCain are still only concerned with “staying the course” and enriching our military establishment in pursuit of a foolish, lost cause in Iraq.

By SINGLE MOTHER

March 29, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

NOT SORRY, BEFORE YOU START SPOUTING OFF ON FAMILY PLANNING THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK YOU DONT KNOW MY SITUATION! I WAS MARRIED TO THEIR SOB FATHER FOR 15 YEARS AND THEN HE DID THE UNTHINKABLE!! I NOW GET 4.25 A MONTH IN CHILDSUPPORT. I WAS IN A SITUATION WHERE I COULD TAKE CARE OF MY CHILDREN WITHOUT HELP!! YOU DONT KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYONE, I WAS NOT ONE OF THOSE WOMEN SLEEPING AROUND WITH DIFFERENT MEN HAVING THERE CHILDREN I WAS PLANNING A FAMILY!!! CHEW ON THAT

By annonym

March 29, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

and as for food stamps-what a joke! i’m almost to the point of not shopping in springfield-especially first of the month-i have never run into so many rude people who act like they are better-but they are paying with food cards! you are right-i can’t afford steaks,roast,frozen WHITE CASTLE,etc.why aren’t these people out cleaning our streets or something earn these food cards??why do we have to pay people or ask for volumteers to help?THEY DO IT AND PROVE IT OR NO ASSISTANCE!

By annonym

March 29, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

PLEASE!!We need a president to set some welfare reform! We need to get the capable who take advantage of the system to work and help the elderly and needy!Most elderly have worked their entire lives-some still working to make it they have paid thier dues-but most cannot get help. i know people who are on assistance and are at the doctor at least once a week-doctor keeps em coming-sending for unneeded test-MRI,catscan,etc-and always finds nothing wrong- it’s guaranteed money! Who is following up?

By Tammy

March 29, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

I agree with you Paula all the way. I have seen people buy steaks, sea food and expensive foods with food stamps and not think anything about it! These days we all are having hard times but we still seem to get though it! Years ago when my husband lost his job and I was working part time(bringing home not much of anything) we still made it. We lived on hot dogs, mac and cheese and shopped at Aldi’s too. A little went a long way and still these days you can do the same. Hey use coupons they work

By ANGELA

March 29, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

THIS MESSAGE IS FOR THOSE OF YOU ON ASSISTANCE AND YOU KNOW YOU ARE ABUSING IT………PLEASE STOP!!! I AM TIRED OF TAKING CARE OF OTHERS WHO CAN WORK JUST CHOOSE NOT TOO!!! I AM A MOTHER OF TWO WHO WORK TWO JOBS AND GO TO SCHOOL TO BETTER MYSELF AND I BUDGET EVERY PENNY I GET BECAUSE TIMES ARE ROUGH AND OF COURSE I MAKE TOO MUCH TO GET HELP. GROSS INCOME 21,400.00 TAKE HOME 15,000.00…NOW YOU TELL ME IF THAT IS ENOUGH TO SURVIVE ON ….BARELY!!!

By unknown Lady

March 29, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Listen to this,if you are middle class or poor class.you can buy you want at the store,Kroger have steaks on sale low as $5.00 a pound, A lot of time the are sale for food. Milk is 1.00 at Kroger. Went Kroger have 10 for 10.00 a sale. If you buget them food stamps right you get whar you want.Yes lot of people buy a lot of junk foods.But went you get 350.00 in food stamp or more you need to buget and catch sale. i went i got them i buget my sure there,was milk and bread for hole month,

By Michael J. Pavelka

March 29, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

The check we are supposed to get from the government, is the biggest joke! The country is going further in debt, so everyone can go out and buy items not made in the U.S. Check all your labels, make of cars, parts. Check everything you buy with that check. We would be better to send it back to have the government pay off the national debt. Our children will pay for this the rest of their lives, and their children as well. Our system of Govt. is broke and so is the country!

By RON

March 29, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

$5000 Dollars an hour to fight a war !! $ 600 Tax break !! Thank you Mr. Bush !!! The middle class is now the working poor!! Less we forget. The war in Afghanistan sent Russia to the poor house !! GOD HAVE MERCY ON OUR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN DIEING IN IRAQ , THAT JUST WANTED TO FUTHER THERE EDUCATION !! $600 Two tanks of gas and three bags of groceries.

By Michael J. Pavelka

March 29, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Continued! My wife taught school for 34 yrs. in catholic schools. Now has Lupus, M.S., cannot walk, in and out of hospital constantly, lost control of bowels, etc. and cannot work. Our fine Social Security system keeps denying her disability benifits. Yes, we hired an attorney to try to get done what needs to be done. Am I bitter, you damn right I am. The system sucks with a capitol “S”. The Social Security System needs a complete overhaul. Give it to people who need it!

By Coleman

March 29, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Knowing the people in Springfield, it will not surprise me that they will still vote for John McCain even though they think that the current government is trying to kill them. I feel sorry for anyone that believes what they are told, Lemmings….

By The Gardener

March 29, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

We save around $1,200.00 per year on food by growing our own and canning it. Yes, it’s a lot of work, and I work on avg 60 hours per week,and take care of someone on Soc Sec Dis ( cancer related). You find some dirt and you can eat.We need to bring back these forgotten skills and teach others to use them. I thank my Grandmother every time I open a jar of something I canned personally,, because it was that handed down knowledge that is feeding us now. Do I have a good job? No, I make under $10G.

By jmc

March 29, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

there is people getting food stamps that are on ssi and social security that dont need them and i know some people and they also work and getting all beneifit. but when people that does work and we get layoff or hurt on the job and has to be off for a long time we cant get help.so why dont the the govermement look into all of that.

By Not Sorry

March 29, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Single Mother,

Maybe if you would have put some thought into a life plan before having 4 CHILDREN you would not be using my tax money to feed them!

By Michael J. Pavelka

March 29, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

We live under a very broken, screwed up and misused system. We have people working in the state and federal system making decisions for people who they are not familiar with, except for a piece of paper in front of them stating what is or not is wrong with them medically. Denying benefits they should have, for no reason. No reason at all. I will finish this next post.

By Racheal

March 29, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

I am with Chuck on this one! Its hard to feel sorry for those people knowing that I work very hard every day to make ends meet, and I cant get any help from the State. There are so many people in Spfld that are just soaking it up, and they need to go out and get a JOB.

By Peggy

March 29, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Oh please, the easier it is for us tax payers to foot the bill, the easier it is for many who CAN work to NOT work and ride on the backs of us who DO. I lived in Springfield years ago and. I was a single parent barely getting by myself, doing without A LOT. I remember going to the grocery and seeing those with food stamps eating much better than me, buying steaks, etc and it was ME who was paying for it. Silly me, I was working and didn’t qualify. Down with handouts!

By SINGLE MOTHER

March 29, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 4 CHILDREN AND MANY TIME WAS WORKING 2 JOBS TO MAKE BY. BUT IS STILL DIDNT MAKE ENOUGH TO BUY FOOD I AM GREATFUL FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM IF IT WERENT FOR THAT WE WOULD HAVE GONE TO BED HUNGRY MANY TIMES. I OPINION IS THAT THE EMPLOYERS NEED TO PAY MORE SO THERE IS LESS PEOPLE ON FOOD STAMPS, BUT AT THE SAME TIME I THINK THAT IF YOU ARE ON FOODSTAMPS YOU SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO WORK YOU SHOULDNT BE HANDED ASSISANTANCE.

By Barbara

March 29, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

i was forced to give up my job and move in with my brother beacuse i took custody of a disabled child and found that unless i wanted to place her in foster care i could only get 200 in stamps and no medical insurance.and disability wont help with any money for her. i kept her anyway and we often would go hungry if my family was not the wonderful people they are.

By Dawn

March 29, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

I feel for the people that are on social security and only get a few dollars a month. I know that when I was in nursing school with two small kids I received way too many food stamps at that time. I felt guilty about spending as much as I did on food when I received food stamps. Now..I shop at Aldi’s and make my money stretch as far as possible. I am in the middle class of the economic system and frankly food prices are high. Good luck folks on social security!

By ruth

March 29, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

i grew up poor. when my husband and i started out we both worked two jobs. we made enough to get by but no extras. we never in a million years would have asked for help. we never expected the federal, state, county or local governments to give us anything. take a good look at where we are…medical and dental care for children…subsidizied housing…food stamps…plus stuff i don’t know about..

By Km

March 29, 2008 6:32 AM | Link to this

”chuck” shame on you. Not all people misuse foodstamps,and for you to say that is so wrong. What about disabled people or elderly? Only god can judge . Remember that!

By Chuck

March 29, 2008 6:22 AM | Link to this

What about Jack and Jill Tax payer, don’t you think the cost of everything is affecting the people who are paying for the food stamps also, maybe if these uneducated lazy people would get off there butts and seek gainful employment taxes would not be so high, I am supporting a family and I dont even know who they are! Come on Cox publications get into reality. There are people who really need help then there are the ones who take advantage of the system…

By phyllis

March 29, 2008 5:36 AM | Link to this

i receive #10.00 a month food stamps aand it don’t feed me for a month but i have a real good family and neighbors who like to bring me food and who enjoy taking me out to eat. who can live on $10.00 a month? not me . if i buy cereal- i can’t buy milk- not ebough money and i can’t even think of having coffee- not enough money. i have had frozen dinners for 2 years now. i think my govrtnment is trying to kill me.

By phyllis

March 29, 2008 5:35 AM | Link to this

i receive #10.00 a month food stamps aand it don’t feed me for a month but i have a real good family and neighbors who like to bring me food and who enjoy taking me out to eat. who can live on $10.00 a month? not me . if i buy cereal- i can’t buy milk- not ebough money and i can’t even think of having coffee- not enough money. i have had frozen dinners for 2 years now. i think my govrtnment is trying to kill me.

By Mark Craig

March 29, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this

Look PAULA not everyone takes advantage of the system in our case the system is screwing us Im disabled and my wife had reconstructive surgery on her foot and at this point is not able to work, we are a family of 5 and our wonderful goverment gives us less than enough to last 2 weeks but we make it streach we have to I to have seen folks with hundreds and hundreds of dollars with of food stamps and driving fancy nice cars . I would kill for a steak right now but cannot afford it. can you?

By Paula

March 29, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this

Maybe if they would buy what they need, and not huge boxes of Crab Legs and snacks they wouldn’t complain so much. I saw this at Krogers last month.