a:1:{s:16:"field_forum_body";a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:5:"value";s:2814:"Good intentions for assisting the poor often times end up being a perfect opportunity for undeserving people to abuse an essential service. That is exactly what is happening with the “Michigan Bridge Card”. The card was implemented as a way to provide a more secure mechanism for providing “Essential Aid” for the poor by replacing paper checks and traditional food stamps. 

Statistics show approximately 1.6 million people in Michigan currently receive the Bridge Card with a cost to the state of almost $2.2 billion. It is estimated that $300 million of the “Bridge Card” monies are used illegally to purchase alcohol, tobacco, and other non-authorized items. 

With Michigan facing a $1.7 trillion budget deficit it would seem imperative the abuses be eliminated from the “Bridge Card” program. A savings of $300 million, or 18% of the deficit, would be a big step in helping to reduce the budget shortfall. 

The Michigan House Republicans have introduced a series of bills that would put some controls in determining who is eligible to receive the benefit. Among the controls outlined in the bills are the following:
- Require the cardholder’s photo and signature be on the card.
- Deny benefits to noncustodial parents who owe child support.
- Deny approval to college students being claimed on their parent’s tax returns.
- Implement a process to deny approval to incarcerated persons.
- Prohibit the card from being used for cash withdrawals, tobacco, alcohol, and lottery tickets.
- Require clerks to verify the Bridge Cards users identity with a valid picture ID.
- Require random drug testing and test negative to receive the Card benefits.

These bills have all been referred to the Committee on Judiciary in the Michigan House of Representatives. Representative Mark Meadows (D), from East Lansing, is the Committee Chairman. With the democrats in control of the Michigan House it is unlikely these bills will ever get to the floor for a vote, let alone get passed by the full house. 

The questions you need to ask yourself are:
- Is it OK to waste $300 million that could be saved by passing these bills?
- Do you want your taxes raised “AGAIN” to cover the deficit that could be reduced by making the responsible decision to eliminate the abuse.

With that said there are two things you need to do:
- Vote for people who will be fiscally responsible this fall.
- Call Rep. Mark Meadows and tell him to report the bill out of committee and tell your State Representative you are in favor of the passage of these bills.

(Submitted for publication to the Dewitt/Bath Review, Clinton County News, The St. Johns/DeWitt Informer, The Owosso Independent, The Laingsburg Independent & The Perry Independent on May 10, 2010)
(Publication pending . . . )
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