Here's the Latest GOP Assault On Food Stamps: Requiring a Photo ID to Buy Food

[babylonsister]

http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2014/01/david-vitter-food-stamps-photo-id


Here's the Latest GOP Assault On Food Stamps: Requiring a Photo ID to Buy Food

—By Erika Eichelberger
| Thu Jan. 16, 2014 6:41 AM GMT


On Wednesday, Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) introduced a bill that would force recipients of food stamps to show a valid photo ID to buy food. Anti-hunger advocates say that because many poor people cannot afford to purchase government IDs, the requirement would make it harder for low-income Americans to eat.

Vitter says the bill is designed to cut down on fraud. "Using a photo ID is standard in many day-to-day transactions, he said upon introducing the bill. "My bill will restore some accountability to the program so it's not ruined for people who use it appropriately."

But it's not that simple. Vitter's bill would also prevent many Americans from using the nutrition aid they're eligible for. "Many poor people do not have photo ID's, and it costs money they do not have to get them," Deborah Weinstein, executive director of the advocacy organization Coalition on Human Needs, told the Times-Picayune on Wednesday. "Senator Vitter's proposal will be especially tough on elderly and poor people who do not have the documents needed to get their photo ID, and who will struggle even to get to the necessary offices. They will wind up going without food."

more...

http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2014/01/david-vitter-food-stamps-photo-id

[DonViejo]

1. The card (kind of like an ATM card) issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has

the food stamp recipient's photo on it. The individual either has to pose for the pic or, the pic on file with the DMV (driver's license) is placed on the card. Let each state pay for putting the pic on, don't charge the recipient.

[Thinkingabout]

2. Sounds more than reasonable to me, if the ID was on the card it would cut fraud.

Last edited Thu Jan 16, 2014, 07:42 PM - Edit history (1)

[babylonsister]

5. I don't think that's what Vitter is proposing, the heartless bastid. nt

[abelenkpe]

3. Because poor desperate people need another hoop to jump through

and another document detailing their need. I'm sure that won't exacerbate the humiliation and shame they already endure.

[SoCalDem]

4. Okay.. If "photo IDs" are to be required for voting and now food-buying,

then the government just needs to PROVIDE them to the people when they sign up..and also PAY for the cost of them.. done and done..

[Thinkingabout]

6. What about those corporations executives having to go to their "welfare" offices and have ID to pick

Up their welfare check for their subsidies.

[surrealAmerican]

9. Corporate executives would just show their passports.

They need to have those in order to visit their money.

[Thinkingabout]

11. They should be required to pick their checks up in person, we could stand in protest when they do.

[JHB]

12. When the real goal is making people jump through hoops...

...don't bet on them dousing the flanes and setting up ramps through their centers.

[KamaAina]

7. How about a photo ID to buy diapers?

[theHandpuppet]

8. Oh well, why not humiliate people while they're at it

Vitter is vile. I'd say he should be ashamed but I'm sure he's way beyond feeling anything like compassion, empathy or kindness.

[0rganism]

10. how about photo-ID to hire prostitutes?

how did sen. diapers get reelected anyway?