Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Busier Life
My life has gotten much busier since I started this blog and am unable to continue posting to it at this time.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Ran Out of Gas In Atlanta? No Prob. The Taxpayers Have Got Ya Covered.
The Program: Highway Emergency Response Operator aka HERO
This is a freeway patrol service used in the metro Atlanta area to help ease congestion by clearing the road of disabled vehicles, and the service is used to direct traffic and aid stranded motorists.
Who is Eligible?
This program is ultimately available to anyone who is driving the patrolled routes.
Cost of Service to Recipients
There is no charge to recipients of this service.
Cost to Someone Purchasing Similar Product
During my research I found that prices for similar services ranged from about $70-$100 a year. This is not a whole lot of money, but it is still more expensive than free. Not to mention that those who would purchase this service are most likely paying taxes that fund the HERO program.
Tax Dollars Going to Program Each Year
As of a year ago, Governor Sonny Perdue reported that the program cost $7.5 million each year. And of course this cost goes up each year. The federal government (national tax payers) provides 80% of this funding while the local Joe Sixpacks pick up the remaining 20%. This money doesn't include the funds provided by State Farm Insurance who sponsors this program. This sponsorship currently provides $1.7 million annually.
Proponents Say
Roadside assistance service is expensive and I'm out of minutes on my tax payer funded cell phone. If I wait long enough, a HERO truck is bound to come by. I don't have a job or anywhere else to be anyhow.
Opponents Say
How about instead of jump starting some freeloading motorist's car, you allow me to keep some money in my wallet so my car doesn't break down.
I remember a day when fellow motorists assisted stranded motorists. If someone needed a jump, you risked your life to get their vehicle rolling again. If there was a car in the middle of the road you used your car's steel bumper (a lot of them are plastic now) to push them off the road or you used brute strength that you dug up from somewhere inside of you. We didn't need the government to assist us, especially not to get our flat tire fixed. The government would probably screw that up too, by having the compressor sucking instead of blowing.
http://www.georgia.gov/00/press/detail/0,2668,78006749_139486062_141412536,00.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highway_Emergency_Response_Operators
http://www.georgia-navigator.com/
This is a freeway patrol service used in the metro Atlanta area to help ease congestion by clearing the road of disabled vehicles, and the service is used to direct traffic and aid stranded motorists.
Who is Eligible?
This program is ultimately available to anyone who is driving the patrolled routes.
Cost of Service to Recipients
There is no charge to recipients of this service.
Cost to Someone Purchasing Similar Product
During my research I found that prices for similar services ranged from about $70-$100 a year. This is not a whole lot of money, but it is still more expensive than free. Not to mention that those who would purchase this service are most likely paying taxes that fund the HERO program.
Tax Dollars Going to Program Each Year
As of a year ago, Governor Sonny Perdue reported that the program cost $7.5 million each year. And of course this cost goes up each year. The federal government (national tax payers) provides 80% of this funding while the local Joe Sixpacks pick up the remaining 20%. This money doesn't include the funds provided by State Farm Insurance who sponsors this program. This sponsorship currently provides $1.7 million annually.
Proponents Say
Roadside assistance service is expensive and I'm out of minutes on my tax payer funded cell phone. If I wait long enough, a HERO truck is bound to come by. I don't have a job or anywhere else to be anyhow.
Opponents Say
How about instead of jump starting some freeloading motorist's car, you allow me to keep some money in my wallet so my car doesn't break down.
I remember a day when fellow motorists assisted stranded motorists. If someone needed a jump, you risked your life to get their vehicle rolling again. If there was a car in the middle of the road you used your car's steel bumper (a lot of them are plastic now) to push them off the road or you used brute strength that you dug up from somewhere inside of you. We didn't need the government to assist us, especially not to get our flat tire fixed. The government would probably screw that up too, by having the compressor sucking instead of blowing.
http://www.georgia.gov/00/press/detail/0,2668,78006749_139486062_141412536,00.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highway_Emergency_Response_Operators
http://www.georgia-navigator.com/
Friday, April 30, 2010
Local Government Pays $400 For a Tree
The Program: Tree Planting for Ecosystem Restoration and Green Jobs: Georgia's Going Green
The purpose of this program is to "plant and care for trees in watersheds, stream banks, parking lots, streets, housing developments, brownfields and schools to restore ecological health." Because ecological health means economic growth, oh wait, money doesn't grow on trees. Or so I've been told.
Who is Eligible?
Those able to receive the funds are local governments, non-profit organizations, landscape contractors (bailout), and educational institutions. These organizations must remember that the purchase of "entertainment, food and beverages, or purchase of equipment (including computers, printers, and PDAs)" is not permitted under the Green funding. Come on, really? Cabbage is green, Mtn Dew is green, printers use green ink. What's not green about that stuff?
One Local Program Cost
The city I live in received $6,000 as part of this program. According to the guidelines of the grant, the city must plant a minimum of 15 trees. Whaaa?! Fifteen trees for $6,000?! That's $400 a tree!! I bought a tree at Lowes for $20 and planted it in 20 minutes. Where's my $400?!
Tax Dollars Going to This Program
Okay the U.S. Forestry Service was allocated $1,150,000,000 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money. Of this, the Georgia Forestry Commission was "awarded" $9,700,000 for five separate grants. One grant of $2.24 million provided temporary jobs to 27 people. Another program for planting trees cost $897,000. That is how much money I would make in 30 years at my present wage of about $30,000 a year.
Proponents Say
These programs will help sustain health and diversity in north Georgia forests, impacted by the pressures of growth and urbanization. Of course, these pressures were brought on by evil rich conservatives. Below is a photo of one of those 10,000 square foot houses that has put pressure on US forests.
This is Al Gore's home in Nashville, TN.
Opponents Say
I can get 90 assorted tree seeds for less than $21 and help nature take its course.
Understand that I am a fan of a clean environment. Why would I want me or my family to live where it isn't safe? That wouldn't make sense. However, among many other things, I don't believe the government should be playing a role in local tree planting projects, and they especially shouldn't be taking my green to plant theirs.
Sources
http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/Recovery/TreePlantingEcosystemRestoration/documents/TreePlantingEcosystem RestorationGuidelinesApplicationARRAGFC1209.pdf
http://www.georgia.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/45/11/146206358GFC%20Consolidated% 20Action%20Plan%207%2021%2009.pdf
http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/MediaInformation/documents/12-02-09ARRAGRANTSFUND FORESTRYJOBSANDLANDMANAGEMENT.pdf
The purpose of this program is to "plant and care for trees in watersheds, stream banks, parking lots, streets, housing developments, brownfields and schools to restore ecological health." Because ecological health means economic growth, oh wait, money doesn't grow on trees. Or so I've been told.
Who is Eligible?
Those able to receive the funds are local governments, non-profit organizations, landscape contractors (bailout), and educational institutions. These organizations must remember that the purchase of "entertainment, food and beverages, or purchase of equipment (including computers, printers, and PDAs)" is not permitted under the Green funding. Come on, really? Cabbage is green, Mtn Dew is green, printers use green ink. What's not green about that stuff?
One Local Program Cost
The city I live in received $6,000 as part of this program. According to the guidelines of the grant, the city must plant a minimum of 15 trees. Whaaa?! Fifteen trees for $6,000?! That's $400 a tree!! I bought a tree at Lowes for $20 and planted it in 20 minutes. Where's my $400?!
Tax Dollars Going to This Program
Okay the U.S. Forestry Service was allocated $1,150,000,000 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money. Of this, the Georgia Forestry Commission was "awarded" $9,700,000 for five separate grants. One grant of $2.24 million provided temporary jobs to 27 people. Another program for planting trees cost $897,000. That is how much money I would make in 30 years at my present wage of about $30,000 a year.
Proponents Say
These programs will help sustain health and diversity in north Georgia forests, impacted by the pressures of growth and urbanization. Of course, these pressures were brought on by evil rich conservatives. Below is a photo of one of those 10,000 square foot houses that has put pressure on US forests.
Opponents Say
I can get 90 assorted tree seeds for less than $21 and help nature take its course.
Understand that I am a fan of a clean environment. Why would I want me or my family to live where it isn't safe? That wouldn't make sense. However, among many other things, I don't believe the government should be playing a role in local tree planting projects, and they especially shouldn't be taking my green to plant theirs.
Sources
http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/Recovery/TreePlantingEcosystemRestoration/documents/TreePlantingEcosystem RestorationGuidelinesApplicationARRAGFC1209.pdf
http://www.georgia.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/45/11/146206358GFC%20Consolidated% 20Action%20Plan%207%2021%2009.pdf
http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/MediaInformation/documents/12-02-09ARRAGRANTSFUND FORESTRYJOBSANDLANDMANAGEMENT.pdf
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Digital Television Subsidy
The Program: TV Converter Box Coupon Program
This program helped anybody in purchasing digital converter boxes for their analog televisions, so that they could still watch TV after the government mandated digital changeover took place. The program was part of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (This act was part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.I still don't get how spending many reduces a deficit.) I guess the public safety part comes in to play because the program would allow people to continue watching episodes of COPS and Law and Order: Criminal Intent.
Who Was Eligible?
Everybody who said they had an analog television set. There were no income restrictions with this program.
Cost of Product to Recipients
Anyone who received the $40 coupon (limit 2 per household: supplies "limited") and purchased a converter box had to pay the balance of the total cost of the box, which was generally $10-$30 depending on which model was chosen.
Cost to Someone Purchasing Similar Product
This cost varied depending on which model was purchased. The costs ranged from around $50-$70. Oh, not to mention the tax dollars that were taken from them to provide a television signal to the recipients of the coupons.
Tax Dollars That Went to the Program
Initially the legislation appropriated $1.4 billion for the program. Then due to the federal government's inefficiency to run any program correctly a new law was written. The Delay Act (which had to extend the change over to digital by 4 months and was part of the famous American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which funded pornographic projects) allotted an additional $650 million, bringing the total to $2,050,000,000.
Fraud in The Program
There were no means tests to be found with this program. If a requester told the government that they were eligible, the government believed them. Some official was sitting at his desk in Washington looking over applications and was thinking, "This hand writing looks like it comes from a respectable person. I will approve their request for this provision of a right."
Proponents Say
It is vital that everyone makes this transition so they are not left without television. Families are struggling and cannot pay for cable, so they need this coupon.
Opponents Say
Are you serious? It's just television.
Would I Have Qualified for This Program
Not necessarily. I don't own a TV, but I still could have gotten a coupon card. I own a computer and pay for Internet access. If ever I feel like I want to watch an old episode of The A-Team I just go to Hulu.com.
Now just remember that this program was a cinch to administer and everyone was comfortable with their ability to convert their own television...see the following video.
Funny videos
http://www.civilrights.org/dtv/
http://www.dtv.gov/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupon-eligible_converter_box
This program helped anybody in purchasing digital converter boxes for their analog televisions, so that they could still watch TV after the government mandated digital changeover took place. The program was part of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (This act was part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.I still don't get how spending many reduces a deficit.) I guess the public safety part comes in to play because the program would allow people to continue watching episodes of COPS and Law and Order: Criminal Intent.
Who Was Eligible?
Everybody who said they had an analog television set. There were no income restrictions with this program.
Cost of Product to Recipients
Anyone who received the $40 coupon (limit 2 per household: supplies "limited") and purchased a converter box had to pay the balance of the total cost of the box, which was generally $10-$30 depending on which model was chosen.
Cost to Someone Purchasing Similar Product
This cost varied depending on which model was purchased. The costs ranged from around $50-$70. Oh, not to mention the tax dollars that were taken from them to provide a television signal to the recipients of the coupons.
Tax Dollars That Went to the Program
Initially the legislation appropriated $1.4 billion for the program. Then due to the federal government's inefficiency to run any program correctly a new law was written. The Delay Act (which had to extend the change over to digital by 4 months and was part of the famous American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which funded pornographic projects) allotted an additional $650 million, bringing the total to $2,050,000,000.
Fraud in The Program
There were no means tests to be found with this program. If a requester told the government that they were eligible, the government believed them. Some official was sitting at his desk in Washington looking over applications and was thinking, "This hand writing looks like it comes from a respectable person. I will approve their request for this provision of a right."
Proponents Say
It is vital that everyone makes this transition so they are not left without television. Families are struggling and cannot pay for cable, so they need this coupon.
Opponents Say
Are you serious? It's just television.
Would I Have Qualified for This Program
Not necessarily. I don't own a TV, but I still could have gotten a coupon card. I own a computer and pay for Internet access. If ever I feel like I want to watch an old episode of The A-Team I just go to Hulu.com.
Now just remember that this program was a cinch to administer and everyone was comfortable with their ability to convert their own television...see the following video.
Funny videos
http://www.civilrights.org/dtv/
http://www.dtv.gov/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupon-eligible_converter_box
Monday, April 26, 2010
Health Insurance for Children
The Program: In Georgia it's Called PeachCare.
It is a program for providing health insurance to children. (There is a version of it in every state, and there's also Medicaid)
Who is Eligible?
Children who live in a household that does not qualify for Medicaid, but whose household income is less than or equal to 235% of the federal poverty level. That works out to be $51,818 annually!
Cost of Service to Recipients
For children under the age of 6 years, there is absolutely no cost. For everyone else, up to the age of 18, the monthly premium ranges from $10-$70. And that price is good even if you have 23 sons named Dave living in the same household. There are no co-payments or deductibles with any of these plans.
Cost to Someone Purchasing Similar Service
I searched for private plans that have no co-pay as well as no deductible. The posse is still out looking. I have compiled a few quotes that I got from eHealthinsurance. The customer is a female, under the age of 6 years, living in Georgia. (This child would be included in the free category mentioned above.)
Quote 1
Plan Type: PPO
Deductible: $0 (Looking good so far)
Coinsurance: 40% (Yikes!)
Office Visit: $40 copay / $50 for a specialist
Generic Prescriptions (Real ones aren't covered): $20 copay
Monthly Premium: $224 (Oh my gravy!!!) That's $2,688 a year, even if you never have to go.
Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $12,500
Quote 2
Plan Type: PPO
Monthly Premium: $32.79 (Comparable to the older kid's payment)
Coinsurance: 30% (Better than Quote 1)
Copay: $30 for the first 3 visits (Then equal to the coinsurance)
Generic Prescriptions (Real ones aren't covered): $15 or 40% coinsurance
Deductible: (Hold on to your shorts) $20,000
http://www.peachcare.org/Default.aspx
Tax Dollars Going to Program Each Year
In the year 2008, Georgia tax payers and national tax payers put forth $661,000,000 to fund PeachCare alone. At this time there were approximately 206,700 children being covered. That equals $3,197 for each child. Parents of these children have has to pay out $820 (at most, some only $120, and others, absolutely nothing). Oh, by the way, many of us are paying for our own children's health insurance and care, while also footing the bill for some children whose parents just "can't afford it".
Fraud in The Program
There are many different accepted documents for verifying eligibility for this program, and they can be found here. But, I believe that the program is only supposed to be opened to human children. Georgia Representative Sean Jerguson said that a friend of his was able to receive benefits for his quarter horse through the Peachcare program. Exactly how much verification is taking place after the forms are filled out and handed in? Another government official, Gerald Lewey, pointed out there are "parents [who are] making too much money, and even illegal immigrants being enrolled" and that the "task is just too big for the State, and we believe that private vendors can do a better job of insuring that only qualified children are on Peachcare."
Proponents Say
If everyone had free health insurance then everyone could go to the doctor or hospital whenever they felt sick.
Opponents Say
If everyone had free health insurance then everyone could go to the doctor or hospital whenever they felt sick.
Wait, what? They agree? Well, in a way. It is true that everyone could go to the doctor when they felt sick, but if they never had to pay for it, they would go all the time...even when they just had a cold. Let's see, when a hospital gets crowded what happens? The lines get long, and the wait to see a specialist, to get an MRI, or to have surgery are as long as a season. This is the case in Canada where basically everything medical is completely covered (through the payment of taxes. On average 12% sales tax and a progressive income tax up to 29%, not to mention the additional provincial income taxes).
Would I Qualify for This Program?
I live in Georgia and I earn about $28,000 a year. I have a family of four, so that means that I would qualify for this program. By a wide margin. I do not participate. I purchase health insurance through a private company. I used to purchase health insurance through my employer, but when I left that job I found out that I could get less expensive insurance that fit my family's needs and not the needs of every other family in that group. My monthly premium dropped almost by half.
The underlying philosophy is that with no copay and no deductible, people will consume much more care than they otherwise would if they were paying for all or some of it.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/94249.php
http://www.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,31446711_32076038,00.html
http://www.electsean.com/CMS/News/PEACHCARE%20OVERSIGHT%20LEGISLATION%20MOVES%20FORWARD.doc.pdf
It is a program for providing health insurance to children. (There is a version of it in every state, and there's also Medicaid)
Who is Eligible?
Children who live in a household that does not qualify for Medicaid, but whose household income is less than or equal to 235% of the federal poverty level. That works out to be $51,818 annually!
Cost of Service to Recipients
For children under the age of 6 years, there is absolutely no cost. For everyone else, up to the age of 18, the monthly premium ranges from $10-$70. And that price is good even if you have 23 sons named Dave living in the same household. There are no co-payments or deductibles with any of these plans.
Cost to Someone Purchasing Similar Service
I searched for private plans that have no co-pay as well as no deductible. The posse is still out looking. I have compiled a few quotes that I got from eHealthinsurance. The customer is a female, under the age of 6 years, living in Georgia. (This child would be included in the free category mentioned above.)
Quote 1
Plan Type: PPO
Deductible: $0 (Looking good so far)
Coinsurance: 40% (Yikes!)
Office Visit: $40 copay / $50 for a specialist
Generic Prescriptions (Real ones aren't covered): $20 copay
Monthly Premium: $224 (Oh my gravy!!!) That's $2,688 a year, even if you never have to go.
Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $12,500
Quote 2
Plan Type: PPO
Monthly Premium: $32.79 (Comparable to the older kid's payment)
Coinsurance: 30% (Better than Quote 1)
Copay: $30 for the first 3 visits (Then equal to the coinsurance)
Generic Prescriptions (Real ones aren't covered): $15 or 40% coinsurance
Deductible: (Hold on to your shorts) $20,000
http://www.peachcare.org/Default.aspx
Tax Dollars Going to Program Each Year
In the year 2008, Georgia tax payers and national tax payers put forth $661,000,000 to fund PeachCare alone. At this time there were approximately 206,700 children being covered. That equals $3,197 for each child. Parents of these children have has to pay out $820 (at most, some only $120, and others, absolutely nothing). Oh, by the way, many of us are paying for our own children's health insurance and care, while also footing the bill for some children whose parents just "can't afford it".
Fraud in The Program
There are many different accepted documents for verifying eligibility for this program, and they can be found here. But, I believe that the program is only supposed to be opened to human children. Georgia Representative Sean Jerguson said that a friend of his was able to receive benefits for his quarter horse through the Peachcare program. Exactly how much verification is taking place after the forms are filled out and handed in? Another government official, Gerald Lewey, pointed out there are "parents [who are] making too much money, and even illegal immigrants being enrolled" and that the "task is just too big for the State, and we believe that private vendors can do a better job of insuring that only qualified children are on Peachcare."
Proponents Say
If everyone had free health insurance then everyone could go to the doctor or hospital whenever they felt sick.
Opponents Say
If everyone had free health insurance then everyone could go to the doctor or hospital whenever they felt sick.
Wait, what? They agree? Well, in a way. It is true that everyone could go to the doctor when they felt sick, but if they never had to pay for it, they would go all the time...even when they just had a cold. Let's see, when a hospital gets crowded what happens? The lines get long, and the wait to see a specialist, to get an MRI, or to have surgery are as long as a season. This is the case in Canada where basically everything medical is completely covered (through the payment of taxes. On average 12% sales tax and a progressive income tax up to 29%, not to mention the additional provincial income taxes).
Would I Qualify for This Program?
I live in Georgia and I earn about $28,000 a year. I have a family of four, so that means that I would qualify for this program. By a wide margin. I do not participate. I purchase health insurance through a private company. I used to purchase health insurance through my employer, but when I left that job I found out that I could get less expensive insurance that fit my family's needs and not the needs of every other family in that group. My monthly premium dropped almost by half.
The underlying philosophy is that with no copay and no deductible, people will consume much more care than they otherwise would if they were paying for all or some of it.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/94249.php
http://www.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,31446711_32076038,00.html
http://www.electsean.com/CMS/News/PEACHCARE%20OVERSIGHT%20LEGISLATION%20MOVES%20FORWARD.doc.pdf
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Free Cellular Phone and Monthly Service
The Program: Lifeline
Free Cellular Phone and free Monthly Service (around 68 minutes) to "low income" people through Safelink and Tracfone.
Who is Eligible?
In order to be eligible for this program a person must either already receive government benefits through Food Stamps, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, etc or have income less than or equal to 135% of the poverty level. That means, in Georgia, a family of four making around $29,000 a year or less would qualify for this service.
Cost of Services to Recipients
0 Dollars
Cost to Someone Purchasing Similar Service
With this question we will assume that I am buying a prepaid plan from Tracfone. First, a phone must be purchased. The cheapest ones they offer are $9.99, plus tax (of course!). Now to purchase minutes. In order to get about the same amount as the Safelink plan, I would need to buy about 200 minutes to stretch over 90 days. (68 x 3=204, so I am even buying fewer minutes.) This card costs $39.99, plus tax (of course!). So in order to purchase the same service for 3 months that the recipients of this program get, I would have to spend $50, plus tax (of course!). This is just in the first 3 months and then I would have to purchase more minutes.
Tax Dollars Going to Program Each Year
There are no direct funds coming from your paycheck for this program. You may think, "Well then what is the problem?" The problem is that if you own a home phone or a cell phone, you are paying for this service. It is called the Universal Service Fund...check your next bill. I know on my home phone, alone, I am charged $.99 a month of my hard earned money. I know that $.99 is not all that much money, but when you are cutting expenses to the bone and can't enjoy a $1 Mall Cop rental from Redbox, that $.99 means a lot. Especially if I drag that out over 5 years. That's nearly $60 of my money going towards giving somebody ELSE a phone. I am all for charity, but I much more prefer willingly giving than having money sneaked out from under me with little fees here and there.
Fraud in the Program
There are dissatisfied "customers" of the program everywhere. Internet forums are full of stories about how the recipients get the phones in the mail and receive the minutes, but then after that never receive any additional minutes. When this happens or their phone breaks, they attempt to call the Indian customer service. One example is of a guy who dropped his phone in some water and called customer service to see what had to be done. They told him to reapply for the program in two weeks. He did so, and got declined. His online account still shows that his account is active. So the money is still coming from the Universal Service Fund (remember that charge on your phone bill?) to pay for phone service that isn't even being used.
Proponents Say
The common statement among those in favor of this program is, "cellular service is a right, not just a privilege". Another one is that people need cellular phones in case they have an emergency.
Opponents Say
Opponents can easily combat the first claim that cellular service is a right because that statement is ridiculous and even those who utter it know that. Secondly, if a person is really just getting the phone for emergency purposes, then they can get an old phone that has no service or minutes attached to it. Every old phone will still connect to 911 as long as the battery has a charge. Those of us that pay into the Universal Service Fund (from earlier) also pay into a 911 fund. My bill shows $1.50 a month...what about yours?
Would I Qualify for This Program?
I live in Georgia and I earn about $28,000 a year. I have a family of four, so that means that I would qualify for this program. Make special note that I do not participate in this or any other program. Let us say that I got approved for this program on the first of July 2010, I would not have to validate my eligibility for a whole year. That means that if I got a job the next day that pays an astronomical 6 figures, I could still keep the phone and minutes for the next year. And probably even longer because the validation process for each year is based on a form that the recipient mails to the company. (There are random checks and audits, but the IRS does the same and look at how many people don't pay their taxes...cough Senator Rangel cough.)
Remember that if you are paying for a home phone or a cell phone you are paying for this free luxury for others.
Free Cellular Phone and free Monthly Service (around 68 minutes) to "low income" people through Safelink and Tracfone.
Who is Eligible?
In order to be eligible for this program a person must either already receive government benefits through Food Stamps, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, etc or have income less than or equal to 135% of the poverty level. That means, in Georgia, a family of four making around $29,000 a year or less would qualify for this service.
Cost of Services to Recipients
0 Dollars
Cost to Someone Purchasing Similar Service
With this question we will assume that I am buying a prepaid plan from Tracfone. First, a phone must be purchased. The cheapest ones they offer are $9.99, plus tax (of course!). Now to purchase minutes. In order to get about the same amount as the Safelink plan, I would need to buy about 200 minutes to stretch over 90 days. (68 x 3=204, so I am even buying fewer minutes.) This card costs $39.99, plus tax (of course!). So in order to purchase the same service for 3 months that the recipients of this program get, I would have to spend $50, plus tax (of course!). This is just in the first 3 months and then I would have to purchase more minutes.
Tax Dollars Going to Program Each Year
There are no direct funds coming from your paycheck for this program. You may think, "Well then what is the problem?" The problem is that if you own a home phone or a cell phone, you are paying for this service. It is called the Universal Service Fund...check your next bill. I know on my home phone, alone, I am charged $.99 a month of my hard earned money. I know that $.99 is not all that much money, but when you are cutting expenses to the bone and can't enjoy a $1 Mall Cop rental from Redbox, that $.99 means a lot. Especially if I drag that out over 5 years. That's nearly $60 of my money going towards giving somebody ELSE a phone. I am all for charity, but I much more prefer willingly giving than having money sneaked out from under me with little fees here and there.
Fraud in the Program
There are dissatisfied "customers" of the program everywhere. Internet forums are full of stories about how the recipients get the phones in the mail and receive the minutes, but then after that never receive any additional minutes. When this happens or their phone breaks, they attempt to call the Indian customer service. One example is of a guy who dropped his phone in some water and called customer service to see what had to be done. They told him to reapply for the program in two weeks. He did so, and got declined. His online account still shows that his account is active. So the money is still coming from the Universal Service Fund (remember that charge on your phone bill?) to pay for phone service that isn't even being used.
Proponents Say
The common statement among those in favor of this program is, "cellular service is a right, not just a privilege". Another one is that people need cellular phones in case they have an emergency.
Opponents Say
Opponents can easily combat the first claim that cellular service is a right because that statement is ridiculous and even those who utter it know that. Secondly, if a person is really just getting the phone for emergency purposes, then they can get an old phone that has no service or minutes attached to it. Every old phone will still connect to 911 as long as the battery has a charge. Those of us that pay into the Universal Service Fund (from earlier) also pay into a 911 fund. My bill shows $1.50 a month...what about yours?
Would I Qualify for This Program?
I live in Georgia and I earn about $28,000 a year. I have a family of four, so that means that I would qualify for this program. Make special note that I do not participate in this or any other program. Let us say that I got approved for this program on the first of July 2010, I would not have to validate my eligibility for a whole year. That means that if I got a job the next day that pays an astronomical 6 figures, I could still keep the phone and minutes for the next year. And probably even longer because the validation process for each year is based on a form that the recipient mails to the company. (There are random checks and audits, but the IRS does the same and look at how many people don't pay their taxes...cough Senator Rangel cough.)
Remember that if you are paying for a home phone or a cell phone you are paying for this free luxury for others.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
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