LETTER TO MY LEGISLATORS

It was announced yesterday that 1 of every 6 people in the United States is receiving some type of federal/state assistance. Also yesterday, several Michigan lawmakers disclosed that Michigan welfare recipients could use their "bridge" (welfare ATM cards) for cash at any of Michigan's casinos and their intention to introduce legislation to ban it. However, it was noted that being able to use the cards for cash everywhere else was an "educational" experience intended to teach recipients good money management skills. So here's my question............where does my responsibility end when it comes to providing an educational experience? Is it educational to use the cash for liquor? How about cigarettes, cell phones, pagers, HDTV's? How about tattoos, fake nails, lottery tickets or designer jeans and shoes? I have worked every day of my life since I was 16 years old. I worked full time while earning a bachelors degree at MSU. I've paid far more than my fair share of taxes and contributed generously to charities. I've volunteered thousands of hours to non-profit organizations . I chose NOT to drop out of school, have illegitimate children, do drugs or drink excessively. I've chosen to NOT break the law, do prison time, abandon my son or beat my wife. There are certainly many people who deserve help and temporary assistance. However, I believe that assistance should be limited to basic foods, shelter and perhaps utility bills. I do not support the use of bridge cards for cash in ATM's and hope you will join in efforts to modify the program. Simply put, I, a taxpayer am NOT responsible for the individual choices made by others that may have led to their present condition.