Published: November 04, 2009 12:24 am      

Aid recipients bend the rules

Editor:

I think the state needs to step up and crack down on who should get assistance — welfare —and who doesn’t.

I was at the Illinois Department of Human Services recently. While waiting, I listened to conversations others were having — some not talking too quietly.

People were talking about dealing and taking drugs, partying/drinking, smoking marijuana but yet not having money for food, housing or medical expenses. Then there were the ones talking about their “other half” who lives with them but they don’t tell the caseworkers so they can get more food stamps — and their “other” one holds a good job.

One gentleman was talking about not working but he wasn’t going to “flip burgers.” I told him right out a job is a job when you don’t have money for bills or food. Then he goes on to talk about smoking “weed.”

I think the state should step up and start drug testing those who get public assistance and find a way to catch the ones lying to their caseworkers and cut off their assistance.

What’s bad about this is it hurts the kids, not the adults, when assistance is cut off.

I work and pay taxes. Yeah, I need a little help to get through and I am not ashamed to say it, but I won’t cheat the system.

K. Huss

Danville