Do you approve of the Welfare Recipient Information Act?

Question

As you probably know, the Republican Congress is right now considering passing the Welfare Recipient Information Act. This bill would require the home address of welfare recipients to be published on a public website for anyone to view. In addition, bank account transactions, credit card transactions and job info would also be published (however all account numbers would still be blocked out for privacy reasons, but you would still be able to view what stores a welfare recipient used their checking/debit/credit cards at). Republicans say this is a good way to ensure welfare recipients only spend money on things they actually need, while Democrats say it is an invasion of privacy. What do you think? Would you support this bill? It's not likely to become law now, but it might if a Republican gets the White House in 2016. It is also being considered by the Texas State Legislature and Governor Greg Abbott has said he will "definitely" sign it if it passes the Legislature.

Answer 1

I am for and against this at the same time. My family is on foodstamps and if people saw how we spend all of our money on bills and have to ration the $50 per person in a 5 person household we get in foodstamps per month maybe there would be more acceptance in the use of welfare. We both work full time but minimum wage doesn't allow for anything but bills to be paid minus food at this point. I have a feeling that any cases of real oflr perceived fraud would override those stories of legitimate need though just to further a hateful agenda, in that case I wouldn't support it.

Answer 2

Such a bill is both and error of commission and, more importantly, an error of omission. The bill will do no good. A 7 year-old can buy toilet paper using his online account, sell it, and buy beer. What is the point?



More importantly, government action that is necessary, birth control, abortion, education, job training, is put off or ignored by the GOP wasting time shaming welfare recipients.

Answer 3

These are the same people who scream about the intrusion of government into all of our lives and scream about background checks for guns being the first step of Democrats taking away those guns. But they are perfectly willing to set themselves up as the "store police" and track where poor people dare to spend money. They would praise an Amendment outlawing abortion and gay marriage, but our government better stay out of their lives. Hypocrites much? They are truly sickening.

Answer 4

Nope, because I respect our US Constitution. I have not heard of this, and cannot find any mention of it. It does remind me of Reagans proposed National Recipient Information System, also un-Constitutional.

Answer 5

I completely support this act.



If someone is going to take money from the taxpayer, then the taxpayer has the right to know where that money is being spent. (I also would support this sort of information for so-called white collar welfare as well). I also hope that President Obama, who promised the most transparent administration in history, would throw his support behind this measure to make expenditures transparent.



But I am not going to hold my breath.

Answer 6

Of course it s an invasion of privacy. There is no reason to publish the addresses of the recipients unless the goal is to invite harassment or intimidation.

Answer 7

I'm skeptical. Where can I learn more about this alleged act?

Answer 8

If I am on the hook for these losers, I have the right to know who and what I am paying for.

Answer 9

Yes; if you are qualified to participate in a program that entitles you to receive tax payer's funds then you are entitled or your not and the list will bring this out end of the argument.

Answer 10

Today's GOP no longer represents the majority of Americans.



Maybe they will change... I'm not sure...

Answer 11

100% approve, they have a choice to get off welfare if they don't like it

Our money, our rules

Answer 12

No it violates their privacy rights.

Answer 13

I like the idea, if you are a ward of the state and spending taxpayer funds for your upkeep, the taxpayers have a right to know where you are spending their hard earned money.

Answer 14

Yes I am democrat, and I like that. People should be against welfare fraud

Answer 15

Sure. Now, when do they get to the public stocks bill?

Answer 16

I like it. After all its my tax dollars going to them. Why shouldn't I know who they are?

Answer 17

yes

Answer 18

sounds real Nazi to me.!

Answer 19

No.