Cheri, also, computers and phones are very valuable tools for job hunting.
Those on assistance don't need to own these items though- they have computers at all libraries and, there is always the employment office too!!
In Ohio, libraries [mostly county systems] have drastically cut hours - my sister works at one, but has to travel to several others each week to get even 32 hrs. Computers are available [if you can get one that isn't occupied by the teenagers!] only it's tough to catch a posted job or wait for an email when you have to go to the library, and how long can you stay on it? Limits exist because of the aforementioned teenagers...And the [former] Ohio Bureau of Employment Services building is now a party center - not the kind where you hang around & go outside for a doobie while waiting hours for your number to be called, as it used to be, but a rental facility, and everything is done by mail or internet, as I understand it. More budget cuts & 'consolidation of services, you betcha.
Sure you can sell your toys, but how long are you gonna live on what you get for a used iPod?
As for deporting the illegals, it's a great idea - except what about the kids they gave birth to, who are legal citizens?
Even if they figure that out, Congress will never allow it. I read once that if all illegals were deported, there wouldn't be a single restaurant left open in many states, and you just know congresspeople don't stay home for meals much!
Childcare is one area where the government really could make a big difference, by opening [or subsidizing] daycare centers, so mothers could afford to work even low paying jobs. But I'm not holding my breath, since they don't much want to take the money given to, say, the oil or banking industries [both extremely profitable, yet getting subsidies every year still] and use it to invest in our future instead, because low income people don't contribute a boatload of money to their campaign funds.
See, I don't like giving money to the undeserving either - it's just that I think we should start the cuts at the top of the food chain, instead of the bottom. Oddly enough, that's never the conversation, though. In fact, it's like pulling teeth to find any real info on how much money is given to whom by the government...
So what if the iPad, iPod, Playstation was a gift???!!! If you are desperate and need to eat, you sell them!!!!!
Seriously? We are worried about libraries with computers? Most jobs aren't on the internet. If people want a job they have to show up. Not just send a application or a email. If one is unemployed, forget the computer. You are nothing more than a thousand emails looking.
But not to fear for the people too lazy to walk out there door. You can now courtesy of the federal government get free internet along with a voucher for a free computer.
I mean really, how many more excuses do we throw out there.
No deal on the childcare unless it is provided by other people on assistance. Why should a childless couple by choice, be forced to pay for the irresponsibilty of others? Should single people of means now pay for childcare of others? Not a good idea.
Subsidies for big oil and banks is a bad idea as well but not likely to change as they finance a large portion of both political parties.
While we are on it, I think I would cut subsidies for all energy related businesses. Like wind farms, battery plants, solar plants and other losing businesses that basically rape the taxpayer.
The latter list of course is raping the taxpayer a lot more than banks and big oil.
Illegals just plain means they are here illegally. Nothing else to call it. Since they are here because of a porous border, we are stuck with many. Fine the parents, deny them any benefits until they are citizens. If they don't like it, then they can go back. It is true we have to deal with the ones that are here, but no special priviledges. They aren't extended to other nationalities so no reason to start with people from South America or Mexico.
