“Stamping out Poverty” or “Jackpot replaces Jack Squat”

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/17/11248179-michigan-lottery-winner-charged-with-welfare-fraud?lite

Amanda Clayton, who hit a $! Million lottery in Michigan last fall, pleaded not guilty to felony welfare fraud charges this week, for continuing to collect food stamps after her big win.   If convicted, she faces up to 4 years in prison.  I think she wants it, too.  Why stop at food stamps when you can have free room and board?

“Win or Lose”

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/05/lawmakers-rush-to-block-1m-lottery-winner-getting-food-stamps/1

Lawmakers in Michigan are trying to quickly pass a bill to remove lottery winners from public assistance program eligibility.  The bill was prompted by reports that a $2 million jackpot winner is still receiving food stamps.  What’s surprising is not that the instant millionaire shopped with food stamps.  It’s that he stayed in Michigan.

The man was seen buying groceries using a food stamps debit card, or as he refers to it, ‘playing his lucky numbers.’

The lottery winner was awarded a lump sum of about $1 million out of a $2 million jackpot, the remainder being paid in taxes.  No wonder he’s using food stamps.  These days, who can get by on only a million dollars?

Fortunately, food stamps are not allowed to be used to buy lottery tickets.  If they were, it could result in a endless loop of outrage.

Said a concerned citizen, “Food stamps were not intended for lottery winners.  Food stamps are for losers.”