Food Stamps

According to the editorial opinion "Food Stamps in Hard Times" posted in the New York Times the author describes homelessness in New York City and the plans to deal the with major increase in demand for food stamps.

Due to the national stimulus package, the plan allows for one big category of food stamp recipients. Mayor Mr. Bloomberg, does not agree with the plan and insists that the recipients must work for their supper. According to the article, Mr. Bloomberg has no obligation to extend benefits to those that are not enrolled in New York City's workfare program. The program offers some training and internships and even some low-level work. Although city's and states can enforce recipients to enroll in such programs the author believes that "forcing people to take make-work jobs to qualify for food assistance takes valuable time away from the search for a real job." Personally I agree with this statement. If these "jobs" are necessary for just food, then the opportunites to find jobs that help with; not only food but rent, car payments, credit payments and so on, are taken away.

GM, Chrysler Idle as Union Talks Threaten Recovery Plans

With talks and debates aimed at negotiating a recovery plan for the automotive industry, finally looking like they might reach a settlement, they're yet again blocked off by the UAW. Since the UAW are looking for more benefits, the talk of bankruptcy from senior adviser David Axelrod is no longer an option at the moment. Talks with the UAW are set to resume later this afternoon about retirees and thier health care. With the annoucement from both Chrysler and GM that both companies are going to be laying off several thousand employees, a settlement is far from being reached.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/02/15/axelrod-auto-industry-needs-major-overhaul/