enjoy your pop and candy, but dont use you food stamps. use your own money. i'm not paying taxes so you can use it to buy pop. get a job loser.

Just because I get food Stamps, i can't drink soda, or enjoy some candy? Stay out of my shopping cart. Its none of your Dam*ed business.

Do you want to know why people on food stamps don't make healthy choices? Because in some cases, they CAN'T!

Look at the cost of food these days. When milk is pushing $4.00/gal (in my area at least) and eggs $2.00 a dozen, the staples alone can wipe out the funds long before fruits and vegetables are bought.

I think the disabled are getting shafted. I realize there are people who make the choice not to work, and are popping out babies once a year, etc, but the disabled get labeled as such anyhow. Why? Because they hold a food stamp card.

Ive had my cart kicked over, Ive been yelled at, Ive heard the comments behind my back, Ive had cashiers tell me I didnt 'look' like I needed food stamps. Ive been followed and confronted in the parking lot when I was being put in the car.

Is there a look I am supposed to have? Im not going to dress in a potato sack to conform to society's view of those on food stamps. I dont dress in high fashion either, but a tshirt and jeans doesnt mean Im rolling in money either.

If you don't know what is happening in my personal situation, don't ASSUME I am an uneducated, lazy person, baby machine, who is scamming the system, and take the initiative to confront me to my face about it.

I didnt ask for the illness that I have that took away my livelihood when I became paralyzed 8 years ago. I worked my butt off to provide for my family and it was all taken away..just like that!

Shame on the people who are using public aid and taking advantage, but let's not shame the people who legitimately use the program the way it was intended. That is what makes me angry.

I would like to see Indiana go to this program. I get $128 a month for me and two children. I would rather that get split to $64 every two weeks to space out the funds, which is pretty much what I do now anyhow.

nice comment!! community service in exchange for groceries the world would be cleaner place. i think that they used to do that years ago i wonder what ever happened to that program. i think we would see a reduction on the welfare rolls....fed up

you must not have read my comment clearly. im not fed up because you work and receive foods stamps or public assistance of any sort. my comment cleary points to the individules that i know who abuse the system year after year. i didnt mean to offend anyone you are obviously doing your fair share and i do respect that. so please take the time to read the comments clearly before you become defensive thank you fed up

Be to fed up all you want...The fact is their are people that still abuse it,just like with everthing else that is out there,workmans comp,unemployment(people will work under the table,and still feel they should get the money..This is why others are fed up,with all the abuse that goes on with these (food stamp.ect..)programs..If your not abusing it why waste your time defending yourself when you don't need to..

Do you realize that some of these people you are seeing with the food stamps do work?!?! Or do you think because someone has one of these cards they must be bums and not have a job? I am a mother of three young children and I work full time and attending college. Working at minumum wage doesn't cover everything and I still reicieve some food stamps throughout the months to help us! You have no right to judge other people just because you see that they have the card.

According to DHS - 20% of Michigan residents get some kind of assistance. Mostly -- food assistance.

When you walk down the street -- remember that one out of five people you see is getting food stamps.

me and my husband work full time we have a good income we live on sawyer and feed a family of 5 on a budget it just burns me when im in the shopette and i see perfectly healthy and workable adults with a food stamp card and knowing them and know that they wont work and then to top it off buy alcohol and cigarettes with their cash. dont get me wrong people who work and cant make ends meet i understand that.for those of you who are living souly on welfare and wont work that is not a way of life i know im tired of paying for those of you who wont work!!!!!!!!!

I have read a lot of responses from people that the food stamp system has helped. I think the majority of the people who have commented on this issue would agree that the system is needed in a lot of cases. I think that people would just like to see it monitored a little better to regulate the food that can be bought with the food stamps. I think that even the people that use the system correctly would agree with that.

Here are the Straight Facts

$400 billion borrowed from China
March 11th, 2008
Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA) supporting Democratic budget measures says that new development can’t happen if the United States continues to borrow money from China.

The Fed voted to cut a key interest rate by one-half percentage point to 3 percent at that meeting. Just eight day earlier, the Fed, in an emergency session, slashed its rate by a rare three-quarters percentage point. The two rate cuts together marked the most dramatic rate reductions in a single month by the Fed in a quarter century.

Gold peaked at $1,005 a troy ounce before noon. It fell back by day’s end, with the June contract settling at $998.70, its highest nominal close, but below its inflation-adjusted peak, reached in the early 1980s after a series of wars, oil shocks and a deep domestic recession.

As President Bush noted in his comments on the economy Friday, “Prices are up at the gas pump and in the supermarket.”

Food prices increased at a compound annual rate of 4.7 percent for the three months ending in February, according to data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
President Bush asked for a $350 million supplemental appropriation in October, to cover help for Darfur and other critically needy areas.

Rising Oil Prices Drive Up Coffee Prices

Liquidity problems at Bear Stearns, began circulating in recent weeks, large hedge funds say they have been moving their business elsewhere. Several cited the example of Refco, the futures broker that abruptly went bankrupt in 2005, leaving thousands of clients scrambling for cash and securities held in margin accounts.

SAN SALVADOR, Mar 13 (IPS) - Some 400 protesters beat on pots and pans and blew whistles outside the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador to protest the rise in prices of staple food item

Sounds like a great Idea. We should all follow their lead.

first..since this story is about splitting up food stamps...I'm all for it if it makes it easier for thos on it.

second..as i said before....those that truly need the help..none of us are bashing you. if you are a single parent and work more than 1 job..i applaud you for trying so hard and support you.

its those that ABUSE the system we are talking about here. those that don't work and spend food stamps on unnecessary goods that need to get a reality check. the government shouldn't pay for your pop, beer, and chips. maybe buy some fruit and dairy and try to live a better life.

to the OMG person....i never said all those that need help buy junk food. its those that ABOUSE the system. i just don't think its fair that some people use food stamps to buy things they don't need. i think its wic that you buy x amount of milk, x amount of cereal etc. i don't think government money should be spent on unnecessary items. i work hard all week and i can only buy the basics..no cookies or pop for me. why the heck shouldn't we monitor what food stamp money is spent on? if you require the assistance you shouldn't need to be buying pepsi and cookies for crying out loud.

those of you that have commented that you are working through school and use food stamps...i give you so much credit for paying for school (as expensive as it is) and trying to provide for your family.

also, to the OMG...if "WAGES ARE STAGNANT, PRICES ARE RISING", then why can't I qualify for food stamps so I can buy extra groceries? thats right..because i paid for school with student loans and now that I have a decent job I have to now payoff school and try to live...i could use the help. but i'd rather the money goes to those that really need it. i think you OMG were way to quick to bark at us that commented.

To all of you who COMPLAIN about the people who get foodstamps....If you would like a REAL reason to camplain about how you feel that your hard earned taxpayers money is being spent on something you think is not worthwhile then please read this story..."Inmate sentenced in nurse attack".....Now THAT is a waste of taxpayers money! Why should a repeat offender have medical care...FOOD and shelter at our expense and there are good honest, hard working people who are doing their best to FEED their families only to be frowned upon for doing so.

Now normally I dont comment on these but this one I find it hard not to. I am a single mom with a 2 year old. My husband left me 2 years ago with a brand new baby. He left me with LOTS of debt and refuses to pay child support. I work 3 jobs. I never get to see my son. I have a Masters Degree, but unfortunately my field is not available here in the UP as I moved back for family support. I do recieve assistance because even with 3 jobs its just not enough to make it with the cost of living and the gas prices. Now I am not a smoker and I do not drink. So there is no wasting money there. I am simply just trying to make it the best for my son that I can. I am sorry that there are people that feel we are abusing the system. But seriously when I use my benifits every month, it is hardly even anything for me, it is for my son. It is just sad that people think we are doing this just to get a free ride. As for people that think we have all these extras, ( Computers and cell phones etc) I do not have any of these, I use the computer at the library, work or parents house. I dont even have a home phone or cable. I just think people should stop and think before they stereotype us all as abusing the system and living off them, cause you know what I pay taxes too and Im sorry that my 3 jobs arent as good as yours but I do work hard. Just need alittle help sometimes. And I hope you all never have to go through what I have. But then again it might be a good thing so you have a chance to deal with people like yourself.

Doesn't matter what u ment or what I miss understood,but in any case the 1% like bush have worked very hard to where they are,and for you Its great that you went to school and will get a Degree hats off to you,thats something to be be very very proud of(I bet u will make above min wage too..I bet you worked very hard to where you are and will finish..I still feel tho if they get food stamps or any income from teh state they should still not use it to go to the casino,If they have a problem gambling more the they can afford then they need to go and get help..

Yes...and I am FAR BEYOND DRIVEN *big laugh*

I plan on fighting legislation and social problems of course. After I am done earning degrees I am going to head to D.C. to see what I can do.

Thanks it has been a LONG 9 semesters but I am even smarter now with a ZEST for life haha.

Very well said! I gotta feeling you are going to go far in this world! Best of luck to you.

I just wanted to let the person know who commented on what I said that for one, you did not read what I said clearly:

THE NATION has a 1% rich income...people like BUSH and all his types of buddies.

EDUCATION INEQUALITY is suffered by all the children who are NOT rich...I am talking about K-12 kids.

AND...the best part of this message...I am graduating in 6 weeks with a B.A. degree...SO YES I know what hard work can pay off for myself...AND I STUDY SOCIAL PROBLEMS BUDDY!!!

:)

I am an advocate for the poor...they have good reasons to complain about MANY things...let's throw Native Americans in here too...why shouldn't they EMPLOY their people with JOBS? Who else would in BARAGA COUNTY? NOT TOO MANY OTHER OPTIONS...so THANK GOD there is SOME WORK HERE.

People who have gambling problems ALSO have many other problems and they gamble instead of doing drugs or committing crimes...another good reason to have a Casino *big laugh*

I could go on and on...people who are uneducated in the countless books about our nation THAT I HAVE studied CANNOT WIN MY ARGUMENT....

I would like to respond to a comment that was made. I receive food benefits. I work 40 hours a week, and I do not make enough to pay for my groceries completely. I am taking time off from school because I cannot get the proper financial aid, and I cannot afford to pay for school myself..Sure there are people who take advantage of the system. But you need to realize there ARE people out there who NEED the help AND appreciate it.

One of the principles of labor economics is "the mobility of labor". This means that if there are no jobs where you are leave and go where the jobs are. Instead we have welfare economics which means just sit around and the government will take care of you. And oh yeah, the government is people like me who moved to where I could get a job and pay 30% of my wages in taxes.

How about those that get food stamps be made to work in their community for the food stamps.... because there are a ton of people who know how to "work the system." These same people always have enough money for beer, cigarettes, gas to get to the casino and bars,and lottery tickets...and yet they beg for handout after handout -- and I might add at their kids' expense! The kids don't smoke or drink or go to the casinos or scratch lottery tickets. Oh, and I did I mention they have free or low-cost health care -- when some of us are sick as dogs and don't go to the doctors because our insurance sucks and there are those with Medicaid filling the Emergency rooms...

If food wasn't given out until these people were made to work -- perhaps even learn a job skill so they might be employable?-- they would be more grateful for the food stamps and learn a new concept to some --what us working class called "budgeting"....and if you can't afford it, then you don't go, don't drink, don't smoke it, or don't put it into a slot machine at the expense of your kids going hungry!

I feel strongly that if people were made to work, say at St. Vincent's, the Harbor House, or even on the side of the road picking up trash, they would be more grateful for what is given to them and not just feel that the "government owes them a living." Bull. Get up off the couch, put your cigarette down, take a shower and try to learn some employability skills!

I am not at all opposed to helping people get on their feet. There are a ton of people that are struggling to make it at all costs and trying by working at a low paying job. I'm not ignorant to that fact that there are a lot of people stuck -- they work hard but still can't make ends meet. Those are the people that we need to help get on their feet. However, there are also a bunch of lazy bums out there thinking the government owes them everything for nothing. I have to earn the groceries I put on my table and if I don't work, I don't get paid. I feel that people on food stamps should be made to earn some of their benefits, and perhaps they would be more grateful for what is given to them. And if they don't work, they don't get anything....Period!

I think it's time to start holding their feet to the fire and making them work for what they get!

Yeah I suppose its a good idea to make food stamps available twice a month. Maybe it will help people consiously think about how to prepare healthy meals that will last a while and keep one full for many hours instead of junk food that doesn't keep a person full for long.

My boyfriend and I get food assistance benefits each month and I am thankful for that, I don't want to abuse the privilege. Neither of us work, I am going to college and I have a very young child that I need to spend time with at this point. I very much plan on getting a job as soon as school is out. I will say the amount for two adults with no income totals around $400 a month. I think it's ridiculous. I have a very difficult time spending all that money in a month. And I think the system does have to look more closely at the way they distribute and calculate the money, because there letting people like my boyfriend and I get by and we're more than capable of providing food for ourselves. I dont plan on using this money very long since it does sit on my conscience. But I buy wonderful healthy produce and cook wonderful vegetarian dishes for all of my college friends who are somewhat struggling too. I dont like to judge or be judged. And when I go to the grocery store I do feel I am looked down upon, but I know I'm trying to get out of this situation and I dont let it bother me too much. I just want to wish goodluck to all those who posted and thank you for sharing your views and opinions.

I guess I just don't understand. We've got one poster on here complaining that people who need help only use the money for junk food, that we should police them and what they buy at the grocery store. Another poster accusing people who need assistance of going to the casino and blowing their money or not being educated enough. A lot of the people who need assistance are not minimum wage workers. They have jobs that they went to college for. WAGES ARE STAGNANT, PRICES ARE RISING, what part of that don't you comprehend. Hey, why don't we take all these people who need some help and seperate them from society, maybe we can set up little work camps in the Hiawatha forest where they can work for their food and we can monitor everything they purchase or do. They are bums anyway right, anyone needing help does not deserve our compassion, right. And no, I am not on any government assistance but being a TRUE christian I believe in helping others out, not JUDGING them.

You need to get your facts straight,we the United States do not owe anyone money except, for ourselves,years and years ago yes we owed China,but they(WE) have payed them off for along time now..As for the Conflict we could not just do nothing and have a 9/11 all the time..Also If its that hard u might have to think of a different State to move to,cause u can thank Jennifer Granholm for the shoes you are walking in now..She and her party are the ones doing and wanting the change for Michigan...There are alot of Grants for Schooling and your never to young to go back to school if you want to better yourself..For the person that says there is only 1% rich in the U.P I'm sure they worked hard to get where they are at...I know of one strong Lady that worked hard as a single Mother got her self thru school got a good Job and now is doing Great..It takes time to do it ,but in the long run it will better your life..Yes Inflation will go up thats only to be excpected..For the person that says we should be getting the hand outs instead of the war getting it,If you work you will be getting an additional refund this year,I'm sure that will add to Millions of $'s don't you think?I think one great choice for our state would be, is to get the Casinos out of our state..I'm sure the same people on here complaining are taking some of their money to the CASINO...All I can say is If you want to make above min wage go back to school,or some kind of training and I guaranteed you will

First, I am sympathetic to those hard working people who just can't seem to get on their feet or have a hard time feeding their kids. A story like that always gets to me.

But I too, have sat behind those in the grocery store that abuse the system. Wish there was some way to monitor purchases. Many of the people I've seen have 12 packs of pop, chips, candy, etc. but yet no milk, cereal, or anything healthy.

If there was a way I could cut off the abuser's funds and give to those who truly need it, I would.

When in this nation did the word "welfare" become a dirty word, synomonous with lazy, no good criminals. The meaning of welfare is "aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need ". What do people have against helping other people in this country. "People should get a second job", "People shouldn't have that many kids if they don't have time to get a second job". Are there abuses, of course there are and they should be PROSECUTED but do not lump the majority of people who need this assistance into one category of subhumans who are too lazy to work. It's funny how people do not mind their tax money going to Haliburton or Blackwater or to other no-bid government contracts but if a single parent or a family who is down on their luck should need a little help to keep themselves fed, then holy cow, the lazy good for nothings. With prices the way they are and wages being stagnent, nationally not just the U.P., I think we should allow more people to get assistance, not cut them off at the knees. I don't mind people stealing bread if they are hungry and I don't mind my tax dollars helping them out either. We used to be a compassionate country.

Haven't you noticed how wages and hours are going down and food prices are going up while at the same time inflation is eating away at the buying power of your money. People preach about the food stamps , comparing it to welfare. Food stamps is the only help there is for married couples without children with a little or no income. I had no income for two months and had to borrow on equity on my house to make a house and truck payment because in michigan there is no help at all for married couples without children. The only job I could find was part time in a grocery store with a take home pay of 62 to 114 dollars a week. As soon as the shelves are stocked you where sent home. Some nights only 3 hours worked and others 6 hours at minumum wage. Some nights barly payed for the gas in my tank to go to work. It is hard times in the U.P. for everyone with gas price making the cost of living sky rocket. It amazes me how this country can spend trillions fighting wars and spending our taxs dollars over seas, borrow money from China to run our country and inflate the money till it is valued less than the canadian dollar to the point that your dollar is now worth about 60 cents in buy power. At the same time the cost of living is going through the roof. You can thank the present adminstration for what you are witnessing now. The manufacturing war machine is corperate welfare with a price tag way above the value of the product the military is recieving for their buck. In otherwords , they are not receiving the biggest bang for the buck. So the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. I did find another job in the health field now that will be near full time and my food stamps will be reduced or next to nothing I expect. Hopefully this will get me through the recession the U.P. and Michigan is already in. By the time this country admits it is in a recession, Michigan will be in a depression. P.S. Don't forget to vote for the side your bread is buttered on or you may starve. LOL

As with everything in life there are 2 sides, on one side you have those that abuse the system and the only work they do is trying to find more ways to get free handouts from the state. On the other side you have people who have either had a bad run of luck with work, had medical problems that have caused them to lose the job they had or were born with a medical or mental problem that prevents them from working. I have seen both sides of this issue first hand and it makes me sick to see those that abuse the system make it almost impossible for someone who has a legitimate need for the help get it. I work 2 full time jobs and my wife works full time, we have two young children and we earn just over the limit allowed to get any kind of state help, yet we dont earn enough to make ends meet during the winter months. Those of you saying people are lazy and need to find a job must not live in the same area I do because it seems that no matter how much you work the amount owed at the end of the month is getting higher and higher and yet the amount earned doesnt change. I think those people who trully need the help and actually qualify for it should get it, those that abuse the system should be found out and prosecuted for fraud, because thats how they get the help is by lying to the state. I also think that the state should look at changing the system to take into consideration the harsh winter months we face and the rising cost of heating bills every year. Its a horrible feeling knowing you cant possibly work any harder and yet your still unable to make ends meet. I agree that perhaps changing the bridge card system to a WIC style with a limited list of items able to be purchased, I feel the state should only help you eat, not eat like kings and queens on other peoples dollar. Maybe then there wouldnt be such a temptation to abuse the system if all you could get on it was healthy food and limited items.

Well there is a HUGE gap in income distribution in this country. 1% are rich. Here's another statistic: 1/3 children in Houghton County are on Medicaid...What types of jobs do their parents have= not much of anything. THE UP IS A HURTING ECONOMY. The Nation is hurting it's citizens and many other people throughout the world in the global economy.

WAKE UP PEOPLE...the gap between the rich and poor is getting larger and larger...the WORKING PEOPLE are getting poorer and poorer.

Our nation spent enough money in Iraq to give EACH CITIZEN of this country over a million dollars. over 4,000 of our people have died there...AND OVER 600,000 men, women, and children CIVILIANS have died over there.

Americans are ALSO FAT! LOOK AT THE FAT people around here....

Everyone is complaining about food on here...we have much more to worry about:

-inequalities of education IS A HUGE PROBLEM

-SEGREGATION of ALL RACES is also another HUGE PROBLEM

I think its fine for people to recieve Food Stamps,but only under certain conditions...First there should be a time frame on them,like 2 years Max ,so people can get on there feet,and for single people 6 months Max(unless they are in school),there is no reason that a single, Healthy person should beable, to be on food stamps or any assistance,more then 6 months,there is no reason why they can't have 2 jobs....I know there are situations where people cannot work cause, of there physical or mental capacity but need these programs for life...I feel this would put a end to alot of the abuse that is out there..People should also make sure they have stability in their lives before they have kids,I know some people,do need assistance after a Divorce or any life crisis,but there should still be a limited time frame put on this...

I currently am just being removed from assistance. I had been on it for almost a year. I ad found out I was pregnant and was not able to work. We were ok until my husband hurt his back and was also off work. Without food stamps my other 3 kids would have gone hungry. I think twice a month is a good idea, and before you comment please remember not everyone wants to need the help.

I'm one of those people who have worked all my life as well as my husband has. We worked hard, then major illnesses have beset both me and my husband. We live on a set income now thanks to social security, but that don't pay half the bills. I shop thrifty with foods even though my illness demands I get the higher end cuts of meat,and when it comes to veggies and fruit, thanks to my illness, I'm not allowed. Now, you tell me how we are suppose to eat on our special diets, (my husband needs high fiber and I need low fiber with no roughage and 90% of the healthy foods are a big no no to me. so you tell me how people who live off less than $1,000 a month for two people, driving a vehicle that is ready to break down at next shake of the head, nothing included in teh rent of $500 a month, are suppose to budget for food? And add in medical that isn't covered? Get with it.

I say take away the free for all card and go back to giving them commodities. I am all for helping people with medical emergencies and such. However, I agree with most of the other commments on here. I know several people who not only have bridge cards but receive other assistance as well. I went shopping with one of them and she bought magazines, steaks and cases of pop, none of which I could afford. Something's wrong with the system when welfare people are eating better than a working man. And the reason they need assistance is because they spent their own money at the casino, eating out at restaurants and going to the movies. They also drive nicer cars than I can afford and I work!. And how is it that so many of these people receiving benefits can't manage to buy their own food but never seem to have a problem buying numerous 30 packs of beer every week!. You know who you are. You posted a comment on here.

Not everyone receiving benefits is living off the system. I was raised in a single earning family and unfortunately, our family had a medical tragedy and were without an income. Occasionally, through thrift throughout the month, we were treated to higher end food items. All we had the luxury of having was food. Not new clothes or toys, JUST FOOD.
Open your hearts to those in need. Not everyone is abusing the system.

I have seen the majority of the people that use food stamps after working in grocery store while going to college. The way the whole system works needs to be looked at. I can't count the amount of times that I would see someone using a bridge card to purchase higher end steaks or grocery items. I would look the people purchasing the items and become angered. I worked 40 hrs a week at the same grocery store and I could not even afford the higher end items that were purchased. I think the bridge card should be the same way as the Wic system works. A list of items that can be purchased and most of them are healthy.

I understand that some people think that the only people that get food stamps are those who dont work and have no desire to work. That is NOT the case most of the time. Society only tends to see the bad that is going on. I WISH I could get food stamps. I am a young mother of 2 who works and attends NMU. I however do not qualify for food stamps. I dont know how that is but I dont, and let me tell you, sometimes its not easy making the paycheck last after bills, clothes, food and gas. Please have a heart and dont say things like "GET A JOB." More than likely the person you are saying this about has a job and works very hard to make ends meet.
I think food stamps two times a month is a wonderful idea.

How come some people can't afford to buy their own groceries, yet they can afford computers, internet access, and cell phones?

those of you with your comments about get a job ,some of us do have jobs but the pay isnt enough to pay your medical bills and feed your family.. unless you are in those shoes you should not be nasty..fed up with rightous people.

when I think of how many times I stand in line behind people using their bridge cards for junk foods and/or them whipping out cash to buy cigarettes it makes me sick. QUIT LIVING OFF OF ME AND THE OTHER TAX PAYERS. I highly doubt, if you smoke you don't come close to spending $88 a month on your nasty habit why not buy your own food.

It will/would be your current grant amount, divided in half, then paid out twice monthly. This as mentionted is meant to help grocery stores control inventory outflow, and it has been talked about for years.

I find it interesting though, that some folks are so out of touch with the realities of our current fiscal situation, they actually think/hope the government will double their food stamps...just to be nice.

If you cant buy enough food to feed yourself in this country, your problem may be more a lack of ambition, rather than a shortage of food stamps.

Will the current amount be devided in two, or will the benifets be doubled? Either way I think its a good idea all around. btw I get benifets AND I have TWO jobs! -Dar

Often if you cannot afford to go to college, you cannot find a good paying job. If you already have children and can only find a job that pays minimum wage, food stamps come in handy. Not all people who receive food stamps are unemployed. Have a heart, and be compassionate for those who are less fortunate. I think food stamps twice a month is an excellent thing and I would be proud of the state of Michigan if this actually happened.

get a job!

It's about time the help out those of us who are lower income. Currently food stamps don't last to get enough food to begin with, and then your out of food towards the end of the month and are scraping to figure out how to get anything to eat. I think this will be a wonderful program. Now there is one question to ask on this program. Will it cut the benifits most of us receive in half to be given out twice a month, or will we get our allotment doubled at twice a month?