Lottery bill could limit winner's take

Comment #101

rdgrnr — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 04:14:48 GMT

maybe we can cut down on roads built to nowhere.

I agree with you 100%!

We paid to have a very long road built to nowhere in Nevada already.

Turns out it wasn't actually to nowhere after it was finished though.

Turns out Harry Reid has property at the end of that road.

What a coincidence.

Comment #100

corius$1918! — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 21:48:40 GMT

I am totally against a law that would prohibit people on assistance getting money they won. Any reform should be done by ensuring that the people on these programs are reporting income via viewing their income tax files. We All should file taxes each year and that would be the basis for any challenge that arises in the future. At least as long as we still have income taxes. Either adoption of the Fair tax or a flat tax and lieing on form would be liable to federal penalties as it is now. Or also... [ More ]

Comment #99

bomatt — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:18:44 GMT

New York has such a law

Section 131-r of the New York Social Services Law provides that any recipient of state public-assistance funds who wins a lottery prize of $600 or more must reimburse the [state department of social services] from the winnings, up to half of the prize amount:

and one person took it ot court.

http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-2nd-circuit/1539129.html?DCMP=NWL-pro_2nd

Comment #98

rdgrnr — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 06:34:26 GMT

America will be back once we get rid of the rest of the communists in 2012.

In the meantime, go chase a kangaroo or something.

Comment #97

savagegoose — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 04:16:34 GMT

yeah big gov out of our lives, but you can gocontrol those poor saps lives all you want.

just wait till the Big Gov tells ytour to invest your 401ks, and that will US treasury bills, bcuz no other saps will be stupid enough to buy em

Comment #96

rdgrnr — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 03:14:59 GMT

Absolutely

Comment #95

truecritic — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:16:54 GMT

NO! Know why? They buy their necessities and they if they have a couple of bucks left they buy a ticket.

You are living in a fantasy world. Money management is way beyond most people and especially the poor, unemployed welfare idiots. That is the major subset of welfare recipients. The idiot portion seems to account for approx 80% of those receiving welfare.

They will visit several food centers to get all the free food that can fit into the back of a pickup truck. (Frees up a lot of lotte... [ More ]

Comment #94

crystaltips — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 20:40:22 GMT

Well, Michigan citizens may as well go and live in Communist China because living there would be less intrusive! What a snip nerve. I think it's an absolute fallacy and fabrication that the poor are buying lots of tickets. They may have one or two dollars to spare and if they buy a million dollar winner (or whatever) then they are entitled to the win wherever the money came from and it's nobody's snip business how they came get that win. Grrrr... Are the poor to be denied any pleasure because th... [ More ]

Comment #93

rdgrnr — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 19:47:44 GMT

I read your post before you deleted it twinkie.

That wasn't very nice.

But I forgive you!

You're still my little twinkletoes

Comment #92

DC81 — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:57:26 GMT

I wish the LP boards would allow us to cut out everything except the parts we want to quote...

Anyway, yeah people are forgetting (the failure of history classes and the spin being put on the history doesn't help) but even worse is just how many people don't really know or understand what Japan's role in WWII was outside of bombing Pearl Harbor. They see the Japan of today through some of those wonderful rose colored glasses and big eyed cartoon characters, unable to comprehend that in a n... [ More ]

Comment #91

rdgrnr — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:46:08 GMT

I'm all for helping the poor...

... social programs go a long way toward providing needed food, housing and medical care for indigents.

Then give them your jackpot when you win and donate more to charity and kick in more for taxes.

Stop expecting everybody else to pay for your ideas of what would be fair.

Comment #90

Daveyl — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 23:35:10 GMT

I'm all for helping the poor, and some social programs go a long way toward providing needed food, housing and medical care for indigents. I agree the recipients shouldn't be betting on the lottery with money given to them by the counties. We had a problem here in California where food stamps were being redeemed at half price, with the beneficiaries selling them to unscrupulous con artists who sold them back to the state at the full price. Cash received by food stamp recipients was used to buy c... [ More ]

Comment #89

rdgrnr — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 07:07:20 GMT

I know that was said tongue-in-cheek tc, but I'm truly no apologist for Republicans.

Congress is rife with corruption and lying, self-serving weasels on both sides of the aisle but the democrats have taken the practice to an art form.

But since the last election it has gone from corruption to sedition bordering on treason in my opinion on the left side of the aisle and in the White House.

Have you ever checked out any of the people Obama has surrounded himself with? His closest advisors... [ More ]

Comment #88

truecritic — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 05:52:34 GMT

Once again though I'll tell you, I'm not a Republican so don't expect me to defend their spending.

You sure gave those Democrats a good thrashing! I can hardly wait to see the shredding you give the Republicans

Comment #87

rdgrnr — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 04:29:21 GMT

As you have stated before: There are a million ways to spin the numbers. I agree. You can go google any of this stuff and get facts and figures supporting any position you would like to take on any issue. Most of the blatant liars are on the left however. That's where most of the seething hatred lies. Some of their stuff is just downright vicious.

Once again though I'll tell you, I'm not a Republican so don't expect me to defend their spending.

I liked Ronald Reagan though. And a large mea... [ More ]

Comment #86

KY Floyd — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:50:11 GMT

Don't worry, I'm not actually interested in how many testicles (or ovaries, which are also statistically one to a customer) you might have. That's simply a great example of how easy it is to lie with statistics.

You certainly don't need to apologize for Republican spending, since I don't blame that on you. Still, if you're going to claim that I'm wrong in saying that, by any reasonable standard of comparison, Republicans have spent more than Democrats over the past 60 years the only honest th... [ More ]

Comment #85

TheOtherOne — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:22:34 GMT

I think Todd's last comment hits it on the head.

This is wild too, considering a woman was just in a TN gas station in front of me the other day and bought 2 coke's with a 'government card of some sort'. She was asking if it could still be used in TN as she was from MICHIGAN. The clerk said yes it is gov't so it can be used anywhere.

She then paid with cigarrettes and lottery with her cash on the side.

She was not your 'typical' image of someone on welfare but I have heard of... [ More ]

Comment #84

jackguy01 — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:12:11 GMT

This is a great example of how government reacts to the people, they never apply this logic to themselves they fail the people and succed it taking away your rights and suppress you!

Do you know how far this logic can go?

If people live in welfair spend there money on lotto tickets instead of food then they lose out, thats fine, but you can't screw everyone over because of a few nuts who spend 50 bucks a week on it, if someone wins, then they should be able to get out of the gutter and pay... [ More ]

Comment #83

bomatt — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:08:30 GMT

I agree. It is counterproductive.

One person in Michigan got the 140 Mil MM. That will do much to help the person's family and the area's economy.

Comment #82

rdgrnr — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 03:38:16 GMT

I think you've broached this subject before so let me be crystal clear this time: My testicles and their number are my business and I shan't be discussing them with you.

Two things here Floyd, one of the last things in the world I would want to be is an apologist for Republican spending and you would have to beinsane to defend Obama's spending.

Let's vote em all out.

Comment #81

KY Floyd — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:43:01 GMT

Feel free to offer your methodology for an even comparison. I'm sure you'd love to claim that republicans cut spending by x%, and you can find statistics that make that claim, but statistics also say that as an average American you've only got one testicle. Spending as a percentage of GDP is about as good a metric as there is since it accounts for inflation, economic conditions, and other things that skew simpler numbers.

I'm sure you'd love to claim that republicans cut taxes by x%, and agai... [ More ]

Comment #80

KY Floyd — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 23:33:53 GMT

FYI, a candy bar can be bought with food stamps.

That you can potentially spend all of your food stamps on snack size packages of Skittles is just one of the many reasons the system needs to be reformed.

You say you don't have a problem with getting assistance when someone is down on their luck, yet you jumped on me without even KNOWING my situation.

That you're not a chronic welfare recipient is great, but I don't need to know your whole situation. You've already told us enough for... [ More ]

Comment #79

hmyeahwhatever — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 22:53:51 GMT

Yep...agree on reform part...there is huge problem with welfare system and yes they should reform it! (work off all that payraises they've gotten over past few years). Now....gov. telling you that you can't have money you win....hehe....sounds like communism. Let's say high hypothetical situation....you are single mother with 3 children, who goes to school and work to support her family (because children's father just doesn't). So..one day she stand in line in store and guy in front of her buys... [ More ]

Comment #78

APOBABOY — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:28:26 GMT

This lawmakers should spend more of their valuables time, figuring out how to create JOBS, so people will get off welfare.Then they would not have to worry about how people spend their money..

Comment #77

tntea — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:55:27 GMT

If one wins a big one, take all that the system has provided in the past and let them have what is left.

If they have lived off the system for years, then pay up.. and then live off the remaining.... Why not pay back so the system can keep helping those who aren't working and have nothing..

Comment #76

susscs — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:54:56 GMT

As someone from Michigan this proposed Law is _________ fill in the blank we all have deferring opinions, my take, reform welfare there are people out there abusing it and there are people out there who need it but can't get it. The consultations tell you to get the most help you need to get divorced so that the woman and children will get benefits, (no joke) just get divorce live together but not on paper and she'll get every benefit they have. There is something very wrong with the system and... [ More ]

Comment #75

rdgrnr — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:34:32 GMT

As far as who actually spends more money, there are a million ways to spin the numbers...

Precisely.

And that post was one of them.

Comment #74

Delta Draw — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:10:06 GMT

Floyd, You earned a big wave here. I love those facts.

Now for anyone in a hardship, don t be surprised if a few readers get their dander up when what you need is confused with what you want. Everyone has had to tighten their belts and many have had losses from stolen/lost pensions. This touches everyone in the average class. Can you live without the cigs and candy bar?

It sucks being poor and scraping enough together for a pack of cigarettes and a quart of Bohemia (53 cents long ago). It

Comment #73

gonnawinwatchme — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:11:22 GMT

FYI, a candy bar can be bought with food stamps. (no out of pocket expense there!)

So, by your line of thinking, people on welfare/foodstamps should also not be smokers or drinkers or even buy a pack of gum or a cup of coffee because that's something you don't need , am I right?

You say you don't have a problem with getting assistance when someone is down on their luck, yet you jumped on me without even KNOWING my situation. I'd say that's purely judgemental and holier than thou. I think y... [ More ]

Comment #72

KY Floyd — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:49:51 GMT

it's one of many ways to get off the system

So how many people on welfare have gotten off of welfare by playing the lottery? And how much did people on welfare have to spend in order to do that? That's the important part, which you must not understand. Having a handfull of people on welfare save taxpayers a few million dollars doesn't actualy help the taxpayers if they spent more than twice as much of our tax dollars as they save us by no longer collecting welfare. Make no mistake, that's ho... [ More ]

Comment #71

KY Floyd — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:44:27 GMT

Saying that Republicans tax and spend is patently ridiculous. They may spend like drunken sailors, but as good, patriotic Americans, they fund much of their spending by borrowing the money. That makes it much easier for them to keep a straight face when they claim they're reducing your taxes and that they're better for you than tax and spend Democrats . In reality, they're like somebody who buys a car with 5 year loan and claims they're saving money because the monthly payment is a few bucks les... [ More ]

Comment #70

DC81 — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 05:05:03 GMT

Never been on it and I have no problem with someone on any government assistance spending one or two bucks every once in awhile on the lottery, people who spend more and play excessively though? I doubt the percentage is so high that everyone needs to be punished. BTW, why do we still call it food stamps? I haven't seen any exchange of stamps ever (yes, way before my time) and the monopoly money in the booklets has been gone for years and years.. People get a card now. Besides that, if someone i... [ More ]

Comment #69

Tequila$ — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:55:10 GMT

All They Have To Do Is Take The Tickets To The Arabs And They Will Cash It. I Know Someone Who hit for $30,000 And The Arabs Cashed for a small fee wheras if they would have went to lansing they would have saw $0.

Comment #68

gonnawinwatchme — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:00:00 GMT

What a way to avoid proving your point. You came raging on this thread, all about how it's the Republicans that are the spenders...yet, when faced with the hard facts about Obama's spending, not a peep....interesting.

Comment #67

Delta Draw — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:14:02 GMT

Okay, I know when I'm licked,.....all over.

One thing that is heard from both sides of the isle is that America is a great Democracy.

You Betcha!

DD

You are most welcome Sir.

Comment #66

gonnawinwatchme — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 21:30:53 GMT

I almost fell off my chair when I read your statements. Did I HONESTLY read that right? The REPUBLICANS want to spend and tax??

1. I don't think it was Bush who created a stimulus bill that cost more than the war. Nope, it was Obama. Obama's porkulus bill cost $100 billion dollars, 15% more than the 8 YEAR WAR.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Little-known-fact-Obamas-failed-stimulus-program-cost-more-than-the-Iraq-war-101302919.html

2. Bush didn't cr... [ More ]

Comment #65

rdgrnr — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:33:33 GMT

It's heartening to hear of your recent sobriety.

That claim notwithstanding though, I still find it difficult to follow your line of reasoning. Half of the time it seems as if you're preaching to the choir and the other half of the time it seems as if you're preaching to the choir. If that sounds redundant it's because you appear to be preaching to two different choirs. You're all over the map attributing things to one group that belong to another and so forth. It's not even possible to be a... [ More ]

Comment #64

Delta Draw — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 12:27:49 GMT

RR,

I am and was quite sober, but nice shot at my credibility.

You fail to see this Welfare reform was introduced by REPUBLICANS who s last stand in the Whitehouse gave us SPEND and then TAX economics including private sector WAR economics. The big three were in DC before the election results and had appointment the day after the election (with their hats in their hands) for a bailout. The first of many under W s last days. The REPUBLICANS nationalized corporate America. Who pays the bill... [ More ]

Comment #63

rdgrnr — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 00:34:31 GMT

Methinks you err in considering Conservatives and Republicans to be cut from the same cloth and one and the same politically.

I find them more often these days to be mutually exclusive.

Hence, the Tea Party.

Have you ever tried posting when you're sober

Comment #62

Delta Draw — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 23:28:27 GMT

fair enough, time will tell.

Reality is what it is for you.

Did not John McCain say the economy was healthy a few months before blind bail-outs were paid by W? What a nice departing gift W gave and it was at the general public's expense. How can W cover the bad loans and people still owe the Banks?

Now what is all this talk that the Dem s are the tax and spend demons? This is from spend and tax conservatives. DD

Conservatives want to SPEND and TAX. That is what I wrote and you got... [ More ]

Comment #61

shwhite157! — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:48:08 GMT

you are right but if you win big the groverment take thiers off the top then they want to take more what is wrong with this picture

Comment #60

sully16 — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:46:42 GMT

Comment #59

shwhite157! — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:42:04 GMT

im agree with some of the things you are saying be if you never take a chance then you can never move forward do not think that because you are poor you should not take a chance if you have a dollar to by cookies or candy something that we do not need why not try a quit pick

Comment #58

shwhite157! — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:34:17 GMT

shwhite157! look here michigan if i am on welfare i need money in the frist place and if it is a big winner then give me my money and let me give back some of it to help others who are in need i think that if i am lucky to win a big prize then if the state helped me and my family i should put something back i think the way things are now if your are poor already any win would be a blessing look for money else where then keeping the poor poorer !! hell have you law makers ever thought if a person... [ More ]

Comment #57

rdgrnr — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 13:27:43 GMT

Note to self: Write new Screenplay with tentative title - Clueless In Seattle.

Comment #56

Todd — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:36:42 GMT

Delta Draw, you apparently have no clue, because everything you said is backwards from reality. To say that Conservatives want to tax and spend ... I'm not sure what rock you've been hiding under, but that is preposterous. Your whole diatribe is filled with these backwards concepts that are disconnected from reality.

Comment #55

Delta Draw — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:08:57 GMT

Hee- hee hee,

Some progressive republicans want to reform Welfare and who would be against that? It is a perfect bi-partisan concept that will have near universal support. We all have to tighten our belts due to whatever it is in the economy that requires it. Why shouldn t welfare people tighten their belts too?- this is too funny!

The real reason this is being presented this way is to pave the way for a $600.00 limit on any income without a W-2 report. The welfare thing is only the tip of... [ More ]

Comment #54

RollChris76 — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 23:19:36 GMT

This is the most ridiculuos thing I have ever heard of and is just another example of what sad shape our country is in. I'm not saying playing the lotter is or isn't a good idea. But God knows, its hard enought to WIN the lottery because the state stacks the odds in its favor. Maybe you are poor and are hoping to win the lottery to help you get out of the slums. As I recall, just last month there was a story about someone who won the lottery just before they were about to lose their home--admitt... [ More ]

Comment #53

CarHauler — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:32:20 GMT

Either let them spend the money the way they see fit, or don't give it to them at all. Quit trying to control every aspect of their lives. Which government programs are OK, and which are not? Are food stamps OK, and welfare bad? What about unemployment? If the people are hungry enough, they won't spend all of their money on the lottery.

And another thing, I have been employed in good paying jobs, and looked like a bum, either while working (at some jobs), or just to run to the store. I have a... [ More ]

Comment #52

CarHauler — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:22:54 GMT

I am going to play devil's advocate. This could be a counter bill by Democrats. Democrats think that people that earn over a certain amount are the evil rich. They say that those who have money don't deserve it, it is not fair that they have all of this money, and I don't. It is called class warfare.

Let us introduce another bill that would ban anyone with a combined family income of over $75,000 from playing. Or how about this: if you win any jackpot that is above your yearly salary, you hav... [ More ]

Comment #51

gonnawinwatchme — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:29:04 GMT

AMEN to the drug testing!! I also think you need to be a United States Citizen to receive food stamps/welfare. When I was being interviewed for food stamps, my counselor seemed shocked that I was a US citizen.

I don't know how long ago you were on food stamps, but you are required to provide proof of income. When we started receiving, there WAS no income, so we received $786/month. Once my husband started his job, it was required to provide 30 days worth of paystubs and then the amount is de... [ More ]

Comment #50

delores247 — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:40:20 GMT

Okay Mich, this is a double standard folks,now let's suppose this ruling takes place,

Next it would be the people who took bail outs

Then how far will lottery officials go back to see if you receive Gov benefits?

Many Many people have had to have help from time to time ,

It won't be long before you would have to have a Million dollars in the bank to even play the dang lottery,Get real officials ,you can't decide to take over a person's winnings if they are poor and getting gov help,n... [ More ]

Comment #49

Dawn32 — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:13:29 GMT

Your always gonna have people abusing the system. I was getting food stamps for a period of time and I would spend $1-$2 a week on a big game. If we start with lottery what's next? Telling people who get food stamps or welfare they can't buy a candy bar?

The welfare system needs to be overhauled. Drug test everyone on welfare - that's a good start. My husband and I struggled to make ends meet years back and then I see people going into welfare and they got more benefits than me cause they lie... [ More ]

Comment #48

Hermanus104 — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 02:46:30 GMT

Here is my humble opinion on the matter: I do not think that the state of Michigan should pass this legislation.

True, people who are on welfare or otherwise poor really should not play the lottery - they have better things on which to use their money - and if they do play, they should play only with the money they have. If they do win, then they will not need food stamps anymore; but if they do not win, and they have gambled away money that they do not have, they will face the consequences o... [ More ]

Comment #47

Lucki723 — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:00:39 GMT

They already do something like this in Florida. If the recipient gets any type of government payment in $$$ and or they owe child support. They Deduct it from the winnings at the lottery office. there was a story not too long ago about an older gentleman who won 1 million dollar scratchoff and only got like 1/4 of it due to deductions and Child Support defaults. He was really upset in the Interview because he did not know this, had he knew this someone else wouldv cashed the ticket.

In My Op... [ More ]

Comment #46

time*treat — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:39:35 GMT

Maybe something's wrong with the lawmaker .

Comment #45

GASMETERGUY — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:16:27 GMT

Sounds like we are trying to fix a 21st Century problem with 18th Century tools.

If any lawmaker thinks the State should penalize a welfare recipient by limiting the amount of money they might win from playing the lottery, there is something wrong with the welfare system or something wrong about the lottery. I will leave the final judgement up to you.

Comment #44

louise black — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 23:46:22 GMT

No! ,she not saying that ,but she is saying that someone in her family ,be it's her or her husband paid into the system and has just as much right to use it as big business and any one else.If only people could walk in your shoes before passing judgement.

Comment #43

megamillionaire — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:52:38 GMT

We have a government that can't keep businesses and banks from stealing poor folks money by giving them credit cards at usury interest rates. Or selling outdated and inferior food in super markets in poor neighborhoods now trying to keep poor people from trying to get some money from playing the lottery. I like the comment about using the money to buy clothes to go for a job interview. You'd also have to get a ticket to India or China since that's where big business is sending all the jobs. I sa... [ More ]

Comment #42

stripesnsolids — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:58:23 GMT

You hit on the point I was trying to make in my earlier posts. Your family has income it's just not enough. And if they would open their eyes they could see that you are one of the ones that has paid your taxes and now you need help. Some people just need to get off their I have all the answers soapbox and put themselves in someone else's shoes.

Comment #41

gonnawinwatchme — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:41:49 GMT

I was afraid to post about my situation because of responses like yours.

Yes, I spend $1-$2 a week on the lottery. If spending $5-$10/month on the lottery makes me a bad person, then so be it. I don't spend money on cigarettes, alcohol, or anything else frivolous.

Before my husband lost his job, I never asked for help from ANYONE. We ALWAYS stood up on our own two feet and now we can't. We're receiving $88/month for a family of 5. This alone only pays for my 8 month old's baby food and mi... [ More ]

Comment #40

savagegoose — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:42:52 GMT

yeah i opolgise for making rash comments, i dont live there i dont know whats going on ill buttt out from here.

Comment #39

time*treat — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:20:52 GMT

The programs and, by extension, employees can't exist if not enough people need the services .

This twisted logic is the budget backbone in many agencies and states.

People who are paid to put out wildfires have been known to set a few when they needed the money.

Comment #38

savagegoose — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:22:41 GMT

its just a distraction tactic, get people squabbling over welfare people, and working people, isnt Mi a welfare state? didnt the guys riunning hte show cause all the troubles.

better blame and punish the poor instead of those really responsible.

yopu dont haver an auto industry,

a farmn industry

housing

realestate

better pick on the poor, everyone hates them.

vote the tea party unless this jerk is on their ticket. then vote someone else.

Comment #37

dpoly1 — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:06:54 GMT

So ......... instead of the winners getting off of welfare (if the win was significant) ...........

the GOVERNMENT takes the money .........

and the winners are still on welfare !?#$*

Only someone with a twisted sense of logic would find this ..................... logical

Comment #36

stripesnsolids — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:03:58 GMT

Speaking specifically for those that receive medicaid and food stamps.

Who says these people don't have jobs? Some of the people receiving benefits are employed they just don't make enough to make ends meet thus the need for food stamps or medicaid. Perhaps they have low wages and their employer doesn't offer health insurance so their options are to get insured by medicaid, hope they don't get sick, or pay the horrendous cost of medical care out of pocket which obviously they can't do if they... [ More ]

Comment #35

stripesnsolids — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:58:03 GMT

I know exactly what the odds are and I didn't say that is the ONLY way they can get off welfare it's one of many ways to get off the system. The same goes for people who are not on welfare, for some they play for a way out of their situation.

Comment #34

louise black — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 06:46:10 GMT

The state of Michigan already takes out, whatever assistance given to the winner by the state.They also take out child support,medical bills and some business debts owed.

Comment #33

louise black — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 06:34:51 GMT

This freshman will find out that he and his party need to stay out people lives. His next election will tell the deal about his unpopular bill in the state of Michigan. It's not going to cut the mustard, but will cut his terms. This Republican Party where do they stop, they want to be in your womb, bedroom,place to worship,the food you can buy,where you live and now who gets to gamble.This put the capital (I) in intrusion,where is the tea party on this. For the people who worry about what the pe... [ More ]

Comment #32

savagegoose — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 06:22:03 GMT

well all the welfare recipients in Mi should go on strike!

i here you laugh. but i meana lotto ticket strike. not buy lotto or any lotto purchases for 6 months. see how the state gov like that drop in quick cash.

Comment #31

KY Floyd — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 05:56:38 GMT

So you're telling us you can't afford to feed your family without help from the rest of us, but you can afford to play the lottery

Comment #30

jeffrey — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 04:20:47 GMT

It won't work. Just find a partner to cash the ticket.

Comment #29

Diamon Life — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 03:24:48 GMT

Yes I agree. Also, this is discrimination of poor people and its unconsitunial and aginst our laws. What they should do is take what

monies they owe the system from their winnings, New York has a law that does just that.

Comment #28

Daveyl — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 02:25:01 GMT

mjwinsmith, you can thank your lucky stars for the Obama Miracle of Hope , as the Emperor revamps healthcare, social security, Medicare and the economy. Why, you might even have FIVE DOLLARS to wager, once Obama implements his full agenda

Comment #27

Daveyl — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 02:20:13 GMT

dpoly1, we are the exploited, taxed, bankrupted, audited, feed, fined, foibled and fund-generating mice in the cage with the wheel. Your declaration doesn't mean much to a lifelong purveyor/recipient of government largess, who bows only to lobbyists and BIG Business. Sorry to burst your bubble, but we lost the Citizen status quite awhile back.

Comment #26

TheGameGrl — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:45:02 GMT

Barista, I respectfully differ with you ....a larger amount of folks are on it that use it wisely, yet its overshadowed and magnified by some of the incidences that are seen in larger city area groupings as opposed to small town workers who get yanked from jobs because the business ran off to mexico. In the matter of assistance checks...its very much managed the same way child support. PLease contact a lawyer on this, as I had to do, not a red cent needs to go to the child! Not one dern dime..it... [ More ]

Comment #25

MADDOG10 — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:49:36 GMT

The main reason I think they don't tackle welfare reform, is because they lack Intestonal fortitude, nor testicles or both...!..

They need to stay out of peoples lives, instead of trying to lead them..

Comment #24

dingo — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:40:56 GMT

He's a freshman legislator, who needs to build up some credits in the political arena, not protecting people. He must provide a more solid statistical research to convince people.

Just wait to see what happen to his votes next term. Because during this economic woes there are many people receiving government aids playing lottery. Their $1 dreams are being attacked; they will respond.

Comment #23

BaristaExpress — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:41:40 GMT

gonnawinwatchme, I nor anyone else is saying that at all. I think most of us here have a problem with the assistance check that most welfare recipients receive is spent on the lottery instead of the children/family as intended (clothes, utility bills etc.)! I don't believe that a person who receives an assistance check is to spend any part of that money on any form of gambling, cigarettes or alcohol! That's the tax payers money that the state is giving away to people who can not support their fa... [ More ]

Comment #22

TheGameGrl — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:50:35 GMT

Gonnawin, technically if you held a job thru life and paid in state taxes, you deserve the programs offered when times get ruff. Sorry that some folks arent understanding of that dynamic to life.

I disagree with any law that inhibits a tax paying citizen yet allows any person ( non american) to claim and leave with the winnings....we dont seem to have a problem with that antic....

If the laws are over 18 and breathing...then that is that....

The state made it profits...this is double di... [ More ]

Comment #21

time*treat — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:48:14 GMT

When running for office, the pols like to TELL you it's a benefit or entitlement but it's nothing but a tax; the money goes into the General Fund. People think that by paying into the system , they have the right to get payments back, later, but the courts have ruled otherwise.

Congress can change the rules on what they do with that money and who is entitled to receive it, at any time. See Flemming vs Nestor.

Comment #20

gonnawinwatchme — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:22:02 GMT

I guess if this bill would move one state over, I wouldn't be allowed to play the lottery at all either. Our family went on food stamps when my husband lost his job in April. Our amount that we receive has since been reduced since he found another job that pays a fraction of what he was making. So because we receive foodstamps ($88/mo., mind you...for a family of 5), I'm not allowed to spend a few dollars a week on a lottery

Comment #19

sully16 — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:21:31 GMT

Getting a job, is getting off welfrare , not gambling with tax payer money.

Comment #18

computerhead723 — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:54:58 GMT

wow now I have heard everything !!!! this simpleminded lawmaker is a complete fool ;

this attitude driven Klansmans and his folowers need to re-exaim their own lives before telling someone elese how to spend their moneyt.....

what about state contractors and lobbiest for the wine and beer industry???

they get tax dollars and who rents to the government office space ???

the pennys we give our citizens should be there money to-do what they think best.....

a lucky number could chang

Comment #17

KY Floyd — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:50:40 GMT

Did it ever occur to these lawmakers that these people are playing to get OFF welfare.

Did it ever occur to you to consider the odds that they'll get off welfare that way? The lotteries generally pay out 50 cents on the dollar, and jackpots have odds starting at about 10 million to 1. On average it takes $10 million to win a jackpot of $5 million. If you think it makes sense to let people who claim to need government assistance to get by to spend $10 million so that one of them can win a jac... [ More ]

Comment #16

Delta Draw — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:19:03 GMT

Perhaps the politicians should just grow a backbone and reform the welfare system, rather than tinkering with the lottery.

I thought you just said you did not like government intrusion? You do not agree or disagree,... how wishy-washy. Government is not telling people they cannot gamble, read it again. Nowhere does it say they are tinkering with the lottery. State governments that have lotteries do not tinker, but rather run it like a business. Is there something wrong with the welfare depar... [ More ]

Comment #15

mjwinsmith — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:17:27 GMT

Social Securtiy payments are NOT welfare, you paid for that benefit during your working years each week by FICA taxes. Therefore, as you get benefits which you are well entitled to you should be able to do whatever the HELL you want and screw the Government for telling you what you can or cannot do.

Comment #14

stripesnsolids — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:01:34 GMT

Are they serious? I sure hope this doesn't pass. Did it ever occur to these lawmakers that these people are playing to get OFF welfare. SMH

Comment #13

BaristaExpress — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:32:52 GMT

Look I think everyone here is missing the point! I think it needs to be done just like what ALL the states that have lotteries do already to those who win money over the $600.00 dollars that owe back state taxes or child support, take as much of it to satisfy just what they owe! And yes the Federal Government does the same thing to those who owe back child support or back Federal taxes that are getting a tax refund for any given year! They pay up every penny of what they owe before they can get

Comment #12

time*treat — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:25:03 GMT

If they really wanted to quit wasting taxpayer money, they'd close the State House.

Comment #11

B$Rizzle — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:58:36 GMT

If this thing does end up getting approved, at the very least they should allow welfare recipients to collect the winnings MINUS the amount they have been given in welfare. That way they would have all of their welfare checks paid back. I do not agree with disqualifying people from being able to win just because they are on welfare.

There are many of times where less wealthy people have won large jackpots. Its all about being lucky. Some less wealthy people are in financial ruin due to u... [ More ]

Comment #10

Jordans121 — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:49:25 GMT

Just another way the rich get richer and the poor get more poor.

Comment #9

Stack47 — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:05:32 GMT

One too many times, I saw people standing in line who appeared to be poor and they were buying tons of lottery tickets.

I don't know how appearing to be poor proves the players are on welfare because I stopped on my way home from working in a factory many days and I certainly wasn't dressed in my Sunday best. Anybody would have thought I was very poor especially when I got into the beater car I drove to work.

This bill won't prevent anyone from buying tickets or collecting over $600 when... [ More ]

Comment #8

savagegoose — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:58:44 GMT

here in australia, they have something called, quarantined payments

there is half the welfare check goes onto a gov card. and it cant be spent on stuff like smokes, alcohol gambling, other half can be spent how the person likes.

Comment #7

jackpotismine — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:29:41 GMT

I'm proud to be American but since I've been here (China), it seems that the USA is becoming more and more NOT ' for the people, by the people . I've been away from the USA for over 4 years and so much has changed. Don't think I will go back for a long while, except to visit.

Comment #6

dpoly1 — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:14:39 GMT

I agree with the sentiment, but the government is so intrusive these days, that the list of what we are allowed to do will soon be very short!

I am on Social Security Disability. I spend $2 to $4 a week either Mega Millions or Powerball. This is my only hobby. Should I win; does the government have the right to limit my winnings?

Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness - kinda' in the Constitution!

We the People! ....... NOT ......... We the Government

Comment #5

Todd — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:05:43 GMT

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with this legislation, but to those who say subtract the welfare payouts from a prize (if they win one) , that does not solve the problem they are trying to address. It does not discourage welfare recipients from playing, because the amount of welfare payout removed from a jackpot is negligible, compared to the overall jackpot. Meanwhile, the chances of actually winning the jackpot is very small, and the probability that the welfare money is being spent on losi... [ More ]

Comment #4

dpoly1 — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:03:38 GMT

The politicians stealing money from the citizens!

AGAIN!

We are citizens .... not sources of income

Comment #3

jackpotismine — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:00:38 GMT

They should take out the money from the welfare benefits they received. I think that would be a fair way to deal with this because it's not always easy to know who abuses the system systematically.

Comment #2

savagegoose — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:36:26 GMT

this is a toughy, how about they take what theyve ben paid in welfare out the prize? take the whole prize just because someones down on their luck.

are not a lot of people out of work over there now?

winning a nice amount will disqualify them from payments, and they will spend the money like drunken sailors.

sure the cash was a handout.

but man people have to have some hope in their lives.