A Horrifying Statistic - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

Patsfanin Philly · 08-07-2011, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patters

What services do you object to? Do you think poor kids should have homes? food? schools? Do you think people who are disabled should have homes? food? schools? Most poor people get very little from the government, even in a liberal state like Massachusetts.

In a time of financial distress, this one program could be cut without causing as much damage as other programs (food stamps, schools)
Free cellphone program for the poor draws critics - latimes.com

>>>Is having a cellphone a basic human right?
In more than half the states in America, people who are eligible for Medicaid and food stamps may also be eligible for a free cellphone and 250 free minutes a month.
“””

***Patters*** · 08-07-2011, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patsfanin Philly

In a time of financial distress, this one program could be cut without causing as much damage as other programs (food stamps, schools)
Free cellphone program for the poor draws critics - latimes.com

>>>Is having a cellphone a basic human right?
In more than half the states in America, people who are eligible for Medicaid and food stamps may also be eligible for a free cellphone and 250 free minutes a month.
“””

The free cell phone program I know about provides people with a free cellphone and usually a very small number of minutes (I think 50). It's especially a good program for people in rehabs who are job hunting, but don't really want a prospective employer calling the rehab. "Hi, Boston alcohol rehab. May I help you?" It's awful hard to job hunt if you don't have a phone and are homeless.

Mrs.PatsFanInVa · 08-07-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patsfanin Philly

In a time of financial distress, this one program could be cut without causing as much damage as other programs (food stamps, schools)
Free cellphone program for the poor draws critics - latimes.com

That's fine - but the cost isn't really being provided for by the government, is it?

I've been trying to research it and it doesn't appear to be a federally funded program at all.

The phones come from private carriers and they are reimbursed a portion of the cost by something called Universal Service which is funded by various communication networks.

All telecommunications carriers that provide service internationally and between states contribute into the Universal Service Fund. USAC makes payments from this central fund to support the High Cost, Low Income, Rural Health Care, and Schools and Libraries programs.

Purpose of the Universal Service Fund (USF) - USF - About USAC - USAC

As stated, they also provide funds for several other programs - the most (by far) expensive one is called "The High Cost Program" which we all benefit from.

High Cost Program - USF Programs - About USAC - USAC

High Cost: $4.27 billion
Low Income: $1.32 billion
Rural Health Care: $86.0 million
Schools & Libraries: $2.28 billion

Universal Service Fund Facts - About USF - USAC

***Harry Boy*** · 08-07-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patters

If they're poor, then what good are the rich to them? What's your point?

Aunt Zucchini..........