Food stamp applications mired in bureaucracy
County agencies' backlog totals more than 1,000
By Myung Oak Kim, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published December 15, 2007 at 12:30 a.m.
Photo by Linda McConnell
Margaret Stearns, 47, looks over food set out for clients at the Mental Health Center of Denver. Her request for food stamps was snagged in bureaucracy for 10 months, even though federal rules say it should take only 30 days. The system is chronically behind.
It shouldn't take more than 30 days to process a food stamp application - and no more than seven days for emergency cases, federal rules say.
Tell that to Margaret Stearns and more than 1,000 local residents who've been waiting for months because of bureaucratic snags.
Stearns, a 47-year-old former mountaineering instructor, was cut off from food stamps in March after her renewal application was held up at Denver Human Services. It took more than 10 months to get things straight. She got food stamps Thursday after a reporter contacted Denver Human Services about her situation.
Stearns said she felt lost in a government black hole. "I think people should know how difficult they make it and how a lot of people just give up."
On any given week in Colorado, 1,200 to 2,400 residents who applied for food stamps in the state's 10 largest counties are waiting too long for their papers to be processed, according to the Colorado Department of Human Services.
County welfare agencies continue to violate federal protocols - a problem that dates back almost two years - because of funding shortages and staffing problems, including high caseloads, high turnover and workers' resistance to changing procedures.
The state's notorious computer system - the Colorado Benefits Management System - compounds the problems because of errors and a complex network of screens that take a long time to navigate.
CBMS also is sending out erroneous rejection letters to food stamp applicants, causing unnecessary panic.
It's sending out scores of letters saying applicants are denied food stamps because their cases weren't processed within 60 days. In fact, the cases are still being worked.
"It's a huge problem involving thousands of people," said Ed Kahn, a lawyer with the Colorado Center on Law & Policy who sued the state in 2004 because CBMS was restricting public benefits for low-income residents.
The vast majority of overdue cases are in El Paso, Denver, Arapahoe, Adams and Jefferson counties.
Liz McDonough, spokeswoman for state DHS, which oversees the county welfare agencies, said the processing delays were better than they were a year or two ago.
"We have an issue with timely processing, still," she said. "We're doing everything we can with those counties to get those time frames down."
The feds can sanction a state for lateness, but they have not. Nor have they set a deadline for compliance, McDonough said.
More people are resorting to court appeals to protest benefit cutoffs or reductions.
The state Office of Administrative Courts said it handled 549 appeals regarding food stamps between December 2006 and December 2007, although some of those cases might involve other programs. In the year earlier, 415 such appeals were filed.
To get food stamps, residents must fill out a 21-page application, and show ID, proof of income, and housing and utility costs. They also must interview with a county caseworker.
Jeffco DHS is taking two months or more to process regular applications, and about a month for emergency cases, said Mary Boland, the county's new director of community assistance. The county has seen applications rise from 4,406 in the first 11 months of 2006 to 6,648 in the same period this year.
Playing catch-up
Boland has instituted several measures to address backlogs.
She said two workers at the main office in Golden are processing only food stamp applications instead of other benefits such as Medicaid. She's trying to get the office's 18 intake workers to conduct interviews by phone instead of in person.
To reduce turnover, Boland removed a bachelor's degree requirement for intake workers. People with degrees often leave the intake department for other jobs as soon as they're available, which increases backlogs.
Jeffco DHS also just got a grant to pay for a worker who will process applications at the Jeffco Action Center, a Lakewood social service agency, Boland said.
Boland said she's trying to change the culture at her office. Intake workers are very careful to weed out fraud, so they're asking for more documents than are necessary, she said.
"They're trying to be very conscientious, but they're being overly conscientious," Boland said.
Barbara Drake, director of the El Paso County Department of Human Services, which has the most late cases, said she's hiring temp workers and bringing workers in on Saturdays to do interviews. Workers also give food boxes to applicants.
"We know this is a difficult time of year," she said. "When people are hungry, you want to get their food stamps as soon as possible."
Kahn said CBMS is making matters worse.
The $223 million computer system was designed to coordinate and streamline welfare benefits. Instead, the system is creating headaches for government workers and hardships for residents who are losing services when they shouldn't be, he said.
Colorado Legal Services and other aid agencies say many low-income residents are getting CBMS-generated letters that say they have lost benefits when they should be getting services.
The 60-day food stamp denial letter automatically goes to anyone whose application exceeds that time, McDonough said.
McDonough said the letters must be sent out to follow federal rules. She said her office might change the wording and suggested that people call their caseworker if they get the letter.
She disputes criticism of CBMS.
"There is nothing inherent in CBMS that is causing applications to go beyond processing guidelines," she said.
Letters cause panic
Clay Smaine was hired earlier this year through a federal grant given to the Jeffco Action Center to help clients access food stamps and improve the low participation rate. He said 75 percent of the people he helps hit unnecessary roadblocks and delays. He said clients were panicked about the 60-day rejection letters.
He said he has seen about 50 such letters in the past two months and hundreds over the summer.
Stearns, the Lakewood woman who was cut off in March, had been on and off food stamps since 2000 after she became addicted to pain killers, went to jail, became homeless and was hit by a bus.
She moved from Denver to Lakewood in the summer and didn't get a notice that Denver DHS needed bank statements. Frustrated, Stearns put in a new application with Smaine on Oct. 12 - to no avail until Thursday.
Barbra Castro also went to Smaine for help. She applied for food stamps in Jeffco on Sept. 17. She was scheduled for an interview Nov. 28. Castro told an intake worker by phone that morning that she couldn't get a ride.
She was supposed to do the interview by phone later that day, but the worker didn't call, Castro said. Then she got the letter saying she was ineligible because she was past the 60 days.
Castro, 48, is on Medicaid and suffers from seizures and heart and thyroid problems. She has no income and said she was upset about the food stamp problems.
"It's just really depressing."
kimm@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2361
Food stamps in Colorado
* 250,700 people statewide are getting food stamps.
* 10,000 to 11,000 people apply for food stamps every month.
* 2,181* applications statewide are taking more than 30 days to process in the 10 largest counties.
* 632* late applications in El Paso County
* 479* late applications in Denver County
* 293* late applications in Adams County
* 288* late applications in Jefferson County
* 241* late applications in Arapahoe County
* 549 appeals protesting food stamp cutoffs or reductions were filed between Dec. 1, 2006, and Dec. 1, 2007.
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December 14, 2007
5:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
A1119532300 writes:
In the first place "illegals" like you say don't qualify for food stamps or welfare. A person who is applying for these services must proof they are legal in the United States. I am so tried of hearing about how illegals get benefits, how they don't pay taxes. I believe that people should research the facts before having an opinion. Everyone pays taxes, hello does someone go to the store a tell the clerk, "I'm an illegal you can't charge me taxes." Do the gas pumps deduct the taxes for illegals? But I do agree that the Rocky Flat workers did get raped by the GOVERNMENT, they deserve alot more then what they are getting.
December 14, 2007
7:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
LOUIE writes:
Question: If illegals needs emergency health care at a american hospital who pays? If the american taxpayer, why doesn't the U.S. government bill the mexican government. Who pays when an unlicensed illegal without auto insurance gets in an auto accident in America? If it's a U.S. citizen or U.S. insurance company why shouldn't the illegals country reimburse the party(s) losses? If an American police officer gets shot and killed by an illegal, why shouldn't the consulate of that country pay damages? If illegal immigration from any country costs the taxpayer anything, why isn't the bill sent to the country of the illegals origin? I am sure that country has assets in America, why not hold them liable instead of the U.S. taxpayer? Lastly, how much do we pay as taxpayers to school the children of illegals especially in non-native languages? Why not send the bill to the country of the illegals origin? Can anybody out there put a dollar amount to these questions for me so I can be better informed? Does this qualify as welfare if the taxpayer is paying for these things?
December 14, 2007
10:54 p.m.
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shirley writes:
i fell in the cracks of the denver human services when it was time to renew my foodstamps in sept of this year i never recieved the paperwork and the way i found out was by calling the comsuter service at denver human service before i went to renew my foodstamps i was recieving 155.00 dollars a month along with my disabitly check after get renewed i was lower to 15.00 dollars a months because i had no living expenses by living with a friend and in my car. I know people that live in shelters that recieve 155.00 dollars or more a month when the shelters provides 3 meals a day and have no living expenses also what is denver human services thinking i was in between my friends house and my car and 15.00 dollars a month does not buy you a month worth of food and you can only go to food banks every other month denver human services needs to stop and think that they are just a paycheck away from where their clients are
December 15, 2007
8:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
It's obviouisly time for tax payers to take a stand. Of course illegals get assistance. We already know they are a HUGE burden to society. If you know an illegal call INS at (303) 371-5606. Since our reps aren't doing what they need to do, let's do it ourselves.
December 15, 2007
9:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
ashlandbus writes:
Illegal immigrants cannot receive food stamps, or any other assistance program for that matter. The only tax funded assistance they require is mandated emergency care and education. Society would be a much more dangerous place if people were uneducated (sound familiar?) and sick. And the economic benefit that illegal immigrants provide to this country FAR outweighs any supposed burden, but that is for a different article. People need to get their facts straight before ranting and raving on unfounded opinions. Read the CFR's for the food stamp program.... if a case worker suspects that the individual applying for benefits is not legal, they have a duty to turn him or her in. Once again, read the facts. Also, the food stamp program is a federal program, which means, the Salazar brothers provide no incentives to the state, as that money would serve no purpose. Food stamps are all federal dollars, and nothing comes from your precious state taxes. Once again, do your research before you start your rant. I worked on the food stamp program and others for a year, developing an advocacy program at legal services in Montana. This is what I did all day... reading regulations (state and federal), meeting with community advocates, state workers, federal officials, etc. I know a thing or two about these programs.... Moreso than some blundering fools calling for the ouster of a group of people, based on unfounded opinion. I would hate to be a child in your household if you discipline based on these principles. :::Rant over:::
December 15, 2007
9:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
Of course illegals get assistance. INS (303) 371-5606. Time to put a stop to it.
December 15, 2007
10:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
LOUIE writes:
With education and health care in such finacial ruins, isn't it time to take care of americans? Why must we as americans pay for people from other countries? Why don't the country they came from improve itself or at least pay a part of the bill? You still haven't answered my question, how much of the american tax dollar is being mandated to pay for the education and health care of illegals? Why don't our schools report illegals and let immigration round them up, send them back with a bill for the cost? Are the countries they came from going to pay to teach my child in english if I decide to break the law and live as an illegal in thier country? No, I get deported. America has a process to become a citizen; we need to take care of americans first, and our schools could better use the money on americans. We should use all resourses to arrest and deport unless these other nations wish to step to the late and pay the bill, or improve the political system in thier country to better serve thier people. Our schools should be required to report illegals, or hospitals should be required to report illegals. INS needs to do it's job. What do you tell a family who can't be compensated for an accident because an illegal is at fault? Can I arbitrarily choose which laws I want to break? Of course not!
December 15, 2007
11:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
blacksho89 writes:
Of COURSE illegals get public assistance! Ever seen a fake ID?
And the social workers who work in the food stamp program, many are truly individuals who want to help any in need. Fraud exists; and many workers ignore it. Morally, I can not blame them, but the fact remains that if the borders were secure (not closed, demagogue!), there would be more time and money available for US citizens and legal residents.
December 15, 2007
11:43 a.m.
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me2 writes:
An illegal with a fake i.d. that can`t speak English will be turned down, and probably detained. After applying you need your bank statement, work records, records from motor vehicle as to the value of your cars, etc. Been there, done that for two months. No Spanish speaking illegal can do all that.
Get your facts straight. Ask a friend who worked for social services, quit listening to the right wing radio nuts.
December 15, 2007
noon
Suggest removal
ozzy_osbourne_1979 writes:
Fake ID's are very easy to spot all they will tell you is to have a better ID, Birth Records,Passport. You will not be detained, it will just slow up your case until you get a better ID.
I really like the point of starting to bill the foreign countries for the health care, the schooling of their kids,and all of the other stuff we income tax payers have to pay for them.
It is time to do something before the siutuation gets worse...
December 15, 2007
12:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
INS (303) 371-5606. Time to put a stop to it.
December 15, 2007
12:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
vudumom writes:
The myth that illegals are not getting food stamps and assistance is bull. Any illegal that has a child born in the U.S. has a right to get benefits for that legal citizen. Why do you think these people have so many children?Also illegals have legal U.S. citizen kids and their kids start having kids and are entitled to benefits.
The trend to recieve benefits go on and on.
I had a sister -in-law who applied for food stamps fraudulantly and recieved them within a week. She had plenty of money because she told Social Services that she was divorcing my brother and he was no longer living with her. She also recieves $1,800 a month Social Security Disability for her and her 2 grown kids ,because they were labled slow. That was before the rules change . She has never worked a day in her life and refuses her children 18 and 19 to get jobs or she will lose benefits. She also never pays utilities because she qualify's for Leap assistance. She keeps her heat on 77 so the bird stays warm and the bills are usually $250 a month.My brother lives with her and he was bringing in at least $2,000 a month ,but SS didn't know about it.They also hit the food banks,her SS disability card is a get anything for free card.
Yes, If anyone is thinking,I did turn her into the proper agencies.
I hate people who take advantage of the system and the people who really need it can't get it.These people disgust me.The whole family is on some kind of assistance. All the girls have 2,3 or 4 kids with different fathers and just sit on their rears and collect checks from child support,food stamps,section 8,heating assistance,social security disability,whatever they can scam the system for. The whole familiy from the mother down to the cousins,aunts etc...collects from social service and social security,and all are able to work.The sister-in-law is now pimping her daughter on MySpace and letting her sleep with men she meets on myspace and she makes sure the men have money before she lets her daughter"date"these men that are in their 30's and up and the daughter is 19.How sick is that. She also refuses to put her on birth control.I feel sorry for the sucker that hooks up with this girl.
December 15, 2007
1:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
Here's how I hope that story ends: So I called the authorities and she is now on probabtion and paying retribution to the state. She may no longer collect any benefits in the USA and her probation officer gets a call if she misses work.
December 15, 2007
2:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
NoMoCoroprateWelfare writes:
Incredible, a story exposing the ongoing inefficiency of a government program primarily solicites a bunch of comments against illegal immigration, allegations of welfare fraud, and responses correcting the original distractive anti-immigrant remarks (this one included).
The real outrage should be against county and state officials who bought into broken computer systems, not just for the food stamp program but also motor vehicle and voter registration systems, payroll software, plus welfare and jobless benefit programs too. Raiding the public treasury and dismantling public services, by purchasing computer systems that don't work, started years ago; and continues with officials passing the buck instead of doing their jobs and fixing the problems. Those problems include fraud which is harder to prevent when resources are expended in order to just make payments, much more to make proper payments.
All I can say is if the economy really sours, then an increased demand on public services will really show how broken these programs are (but at least we can take solace in knowing there won't be as much fraud during a recession since people really will be needy, and we can always blame immigrants, that ought to make everything better!). In closing, food stamp applications aren't so much mired in bureaucray (as older paid-for systems handled much higher volume), but we're stuck with elected incompetents who lack the political will to do what's right!
December 15, 2007
4:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
teslan writes:
Well it's a government bureocracy. What can you expect. And to think some people want the government to control all our healthcare.
December 15, 2007
4:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
LOUIE writes:
Factories in America are closing down every day, new American factories are openning up in Mexico every day. No unions, cheap labor, plenty of government corruption give the big corporations the enviroment it loves. NAFTA, and the politicians who voted for it, have sold America and her people for a song. War comes and all of your manufacturing is on foriegn soil. Every year I drive back to Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana to see my relatives. America's great toolbox is gone. What's left for our children? Nothing but little low paying jobs, and the illegals are taking those. Both parties tip-toe around these facts, more lip service and empty promises. America's schools are failing under the burden of the illegals, our once proud way of life is gone. Colorado may be the last domino to fall to economic ruin, but it's coming just as it already has to our manufacturing states. The democratic politicians, the republican politicians, they are nothing but the cashiers. If you think this is fiction, write someone or go back and look at America's once great toolbox, it's gone folks. So instead of bickering about the party you support, open your eyes and look at how they both sold us out.
December 15, 2007
4:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
BW writes:
It's sad that an article talking about the plight of normal, everyday people who have fallen on hard times and can't get assistance falls into a rant about illegal immigrants. One would hope that compassion for fellow man would enrage people to tell the State it's not okay to deny people food stamps who truly deserve them! This is the safety net for america, and people are falling to the ground. On top of the moral argument, there is also the economic argument that food stamps help the economy because instead of relying of food pantries they are shopping in their local grocery stories! Everyone should call their county commisioner and yell at them to FIX the problem so people can eat!
PS: There is research out there, and it is proves the opposite of the point Louie and America100 make. Illegal immigrants pay IN more to state and federal government than they are a burden. The "burden" of educating their kids (mostly legal citizens)and emergency room healthcare is more than made up by the money that goes into sales taxes, property taxes, social security and medicaid deducted from paychecks, etc. Also, in Colorado, after House Bill 1023 was passed (to prevent illegal immigrants from accessing services) a report was issued a year later that it has cost more to implement the bill than any savings from baring illegals from getting services. The only money "saved" has been from AMERICAN CITIZENS who cannot get services now because they cannot meet the strict document requirements. Both pieces of research were done by nonpartisan groups - be educated before you speak, people!
December 15, 2007
6:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
Alive writes:
Lots of pro-illegal supporters on here. You can bet they have a dog in this fight. They make money from illegals or they are just brainwashed by political correctness gone wild. Either way, I don't believe a damn thing these people say. They have an agenda hidden behind their "compassion". They will tell you to get educated. That is code for INDOCTRINATED! Don't buy into it!
December 15, 2007
6:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
ashlandbus writes:
I'm not pro-illegal. I'm pro-humanity... everyone deserves some! Also, I am also aware of the benefit any group of individuals provides to the economy, and illegal immigrants are a huge part of the economy... one that takes less than what is contributed. Read the facts and you too will become "brainwashed".
But, this article should tell the struggles the social services have at providing for the poor of the Denver area. Read into that. It is something this federal government should be afraid of. Breaking their own rules meant to give people something to EAT! Food stamps are the most necessary program. Take a look at our nation's food pantries and tell me that people aren't going hungry. It is a sad state out there and all people want to do is rant about illegals from their 5 bedroom house in Littleton. Must be nice.
December 15, 2007
6:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
Darwin writes:
Good points NoMoCoroprateWelfare, teslan, LOUIE and others. Unfortunately history proves we will continue to vote for the same democrat and republican pigs at the public trough and expect things to change. Not gona happen. BW, statistics, statistics, statistics. There are also statistics that show illegals send anywhere from 20-40 BILLION dollars back to Mexico each year, making it the biggest money benefit to Mexico other than oil. This is of course money that will never be spent to bolster our economy. No wonder the Mexican government does not want the border closed. Facts, not statistics, dozens of ERs in California, Arizona, and other states have shut down because they were/are overwhelmed by the illegals using them for routine procedures since they can't be turned away.
December 15, 2007
7:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
BirdonaWire writes:
Before anyone says that illegals pay social security, etc., check out how many deductions they take. Think they're gonna get audited if they even decide to file a tax return at all? Free breakfast and lunch for their anchor babies. I knew more "poor" kids with Spanish-speaking only parents with great cell phones, ipods and $400 video game systems.
December 15, 2007
8:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
me2 writes:
So we say a Spanish speaking person, illegal can`t get food stamps and you come back with the anchor baby business. The baby is American, no matter what the parents are. So the illegal parents do not get food stamps for themselves.
You still need to get your facts straight. I like billing foreign countries when we treat their citizens. Bet England and Canada will love that idea also. Since they don`t bill us, maybe they should start.
December 16, 2007
7:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
LOUIE writes:
When citizens of other nations go abroad and commit crimes in other nations, it should be placed into law, that the nation of the offenders origin be held accountable. If the nation of the offenders origin refuses to honor, said nation should be held in contempt and fines levyed against thier assests. Fair to me, fair to them. There was always a premium to do business in America, a price was always levied on those who wished to do business in America. Then the world will realize the honor of doing business in America. God Blessed this nation, don't squander His blessings, please. Maybe then we can afford to be generious, but never at the expense of your citizens. Politicians make thier greed apparent when they line thier pockets with money, selling our people for a song to foriegn nations. Honor is for sale, America is the asset being sold.
December 16, 2007
8:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
LOUIE writes:
Oh what I would not give to be a citizen of Monaco, Lord if you here my prayer, let me be a citizen of Monaco! Don't ever let me set my site in life any lower. If you you here me Lord...Grace Kelly, girl to have been so lucky an American.
December 16, 2007
8:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
HollyGoLightly writes:
Question to those that say illegals do not receive benefits. If an illegal has a child born in the US and cannot afford to feed or house that child, do they or do they not receive benefits for that child? Maybe another reader can help me out here but I recall an article a few years back in the RMN about two brothers in a rural Colorado town that were deported. Their parents were illegal as were the teenagers but they were all living in Section 8 housing courtesy of the anchor babies that were born in the US.
December 16, 2007
9:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
I'm not ashamed of my 5 bedroom house while I oppose illegal immigration. I WORK for my money and have never asked anyone for a handout EVER. I'm proud of what I have accomplished through my HARD WORK. I DON'T owe illegals anything except a call to INS.
INS (303) 371-5606. Time to put a stop to it.
December 16, 2007
11:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
vudumom writes:
Alot of construction jobs are stolen by illegals. The companies pay them low wages undermining real carpenters who actually can plumb a wall and read blueprints. The contractors that pay them and do not take taxes out,they hand them a 1099 at the end of the year and since the illegals are using fake I.D.'s they don't file taxes. Or one guy gets payment and doles out payment in cash to the illegals.You can say they buy food and stuff and pay taxes but you have to consider the 50 Billion that goes back to Mexico every year,tax free.Illegals know how to work the benefit systems just like any other crook who knows how to work and milk the systems in place for people with real needs.Don't be fooled by the statement that illegals don't recieve benefits. They are usually first to recieve them,jumping in front of Americans in need because the government workers who dole out these benefits are either sympathetic to the illegals or are afraid of the race card being played and being sued.
December 16, 2007
4 p.m.
Suggest removal
BirdonaWire writes:
I too cannot blame someone for wanting to live a better life. I can, however, blame them for not adopting the laws, speaking the language and suckling on the American nipple for sustenance. How many of these proimmigrants know Mexico's immigration policy? They certainly protect their southern border with Honduras. Can we send our society's filth south? Let's empty the jails and send them all to Mexico. Fair's fair, right? No, life's not fair. Just ask anyone in Darfur.
December 16, 2007
4:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
BirdonaWire writes:
Whoops, meant Guatemala, not Honduras.
December 16, 2007
5:26 p.m.
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jbowen43 writes:
This story isn't about illegals. It's about the incompetence of the former governor, Bill Owens, who probably revels in the knowledge that he has made life miserable for poor people and social workers. That clown forced this computer system on the counties in spite of the fact the clerks told him it wouldn't function and he had the nerve to force them to not use the old system for back-up. This has cost taxpayers millions of dollars in overtime costs. But that doesn't matter to Bill because he and his friends probably don't pay taxes on their incomes like working people must.
December 16, 2007
7:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
I've been gone all day and so may be too late on this end, but vudumom, I own a construction co and you are right about the illegals taking work. This is how I got rid of sub contractors who hire illegals.
With every check I send out to a sub or vender I include a letter my attny worked up for me. It says we abide by federal and state immigration laws and any breech of these laws will result in termination of the relationship with that sub or vendor. I also charge $50 for every invoice I get in spanish because I have to pay someone to translate.
Two subs went away after the first letter and I haven't seen a spanish invoice since then either.
I wish all contractors would do this.
December 16, 2007
8:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
smith writes:
This story is about leeches of all types... No one working an honest 40 hours a week - even at min wage - should ever require food stamps. This lady is a mountaineering instructor - sounds able bodied to me! Now if she has other bills, like cable tv, a car lease, 18 kids etc, then it sounds as if she needs to get her priorites straight. Because we all know she hasn't spent the last 10 months looking for higher paying work or improving her marketable skills.
December 17, 2007
11:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
layddiamonds writes:
I'm disgusted with all the "illegal aliens getting benefits" comments, as an illegal individual you cannot get assistance from the Federal govenernment(Food Stamps) or State benefits(CO works/ Medicaid). Please educate yourselves before looking like an idiot. It's seem so unfair to me that you so called "Americans" feel this way, you too are "illegal" unless you are from native indian american blood, your ancestors came to this country as an "illegal". Look into your background!
These illegals are taking all the good jobs because they actually LIKE to work, unlike the majority of our welfare cases (US Born individuals) whom weren't brought up with morals and good quality working habits! Look into the facts, read once in while and find out whom your State dollars are going to, isn't the "illegals"!
December 17, 2007
3:40 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Layddiamonds, so my tax dollar doesn't pay thier emergency room visits, nor does it pay for thier education? Thier American born children aren't living on my dollar even though the parents are illegals? If it is the result of illegal entry, the offspring should be illegal as well, the law needs revision. Do the illegals have valid U.S. drivers licenses and auto insurance? Tell that to my pal whose wife was crippled by a drunk illegal who had neither because he was illegal. I think the points are most on point. If it starts out illegal, they already violated the law. Lock them up, deport them, send the country of origin the bill. Heard the illegal that murdered Officer Donny Young worked in Mayor John Hinkenloopers restaurant. Denver is an illegal safe-haven for illegals, why don't they enforce the law?
December 17, 2007
4:03 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Why doesn't Latin America clean up thier corrupt governments and take better care of thier people? Why don't they have a middle class, seems you're either rich or dirt poor; that says a lot about Latin America doesn't it. Why are we left to pay for Latin America and it's lack of services for which the refuse to provide thier own people? Where is thier oil money going, to corrupt government officials and thier cronies, not the people for sure. I am tired of my people doing without in education especially because of money spent on the children of illegals. Mexico doesn't let me stay illegaly, why should I accomendate thier illegals? Yes, were idiots for not holding Mexico accountable to her people. At no point do I owe Mexico anything, Mexico owes it's people better.
December 17, 2007
4:47 p.m.
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claysmaine writes:
I find it unbelievable that people think that illegals can receive federal assistance. The first thing that all federal applications say is: are you a US citizen or an immigrant that has worked 40 quarter hours in the US. That means any immigrant has to work for 10 years before becoming eligible for federal assistance. If half the people that posted about this article knew what they were talking about the comments would be very different. My wife is a legal immigrant and I am born and bred US citizen. I do not qualify for federal benefits because of this situation, so calm down pay your taxes like every one else and vote if you want to make things change. Make a difference in your world and effect others positively and maybe you wont have these hateful things to say. After all Human Rights are for everyone....
December 17, 2007
5 p.m.
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claysmaine writes:
This discussion is not about illegal or legal immigrants both of the people interviewed were white American born citizens. The issue is the fact that so many people go hungry and there is a program to help those people and it is so dysfunctional that not even the white Americans who temporarily lose their jobs cant get assistance due to the inabilities of Colorado Human Services. There is a reason why we have one of the lowest participation rate in the food stamp program in the whole entire country. Read again and maybe you will have compassion for your fellow human being regardless of their race or gender. Why do people always have to come back to race and if they are illegal? We are talking about human beings, not pets or fictional characters. I want one of these racial hater to go over to an illegals house and take the food out of their refrigerator and tell them they don't deserve it because they are not Americans. If you can do this you have no soul and don't deserve to live in this country of freedom.
December 17, 2007
5:26 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
It's not hatred to ask a nation failing it's people to be accountable. Yes, children of illegals are in our schools because the illegal gave birth in America, while here illegally, making the child a U.S. citizen. Thus the derogatory phrase "anchor baby" is used when refering to the ploy used by the illegal. It is a hateful phrase, but the ploy is real, to beat the system. Is it hateful to ask people to obey our laws? Illegal is illegal, you can't abitrarily choose what laws you are going to obey. My great grand parents obeyed the immigration laws when they came from Ireland, is that to much to ask that immigrants today obey our laws? Yes, my government uses our tax dollar to educate them. Everyday illegals are stopped by police illegally operating motor vehicles. They have committed countless crimes, get deported, only to re-enter our country illegally again, and it's a burden on our system. By holding the offenders country liable the ball is in thier court to control thieir immigration. The penalties should be assessed against thier American assets. Accountability makes immigration the offender's country of origin's problem, not ours because we would be reimbursed expenses incurred by the illegal. Whats starts out illegal at inception should never be made legitimate nor anything that is concieved from the illegality. That's not hatred, it called accountability. If I steal your wallet and give it to my son does it belong to him since he didn't steal it? No it was illegally taken and can't be made legal because it was a crime upon inception. Until the law is changed either way, it needs to be enforced, it is the laws we as americans chose to have. Flooding our boarders has created a nightmare of problems; how many illegals have car accidents, they have no license or insurance, why shouldn't the offenders country reimburse thier citizen's victim(s) if he commits crime in other countries? I'm sure if they were paying the bill they might become accountable for thier people.
December 17, 2007
6:53 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
To the native American Indian, I owe a great debt, his arguement is most valid. My ancestors committed great crimes against these nations, I commit an even greater crime in denying it. That is the only point made by layddiamonds I found valid. The indian nations should be a soveriegn nations within a nation. The federal government should not trespass on thier reservations. I can only hang my head in shame as I listen to the destruction my ancestors brought to these nations. The American Indian I owe, what do I owe Mexico? Mexico owes itself to clean up it's government up, which by the way is killing some of it's native people today in the southern regions. Seems Mexico doesn't like it's native people; and thier immigration laws are quite strict and enforced. It's time to pressure Mexico to treat it's poor better by creating an enviroment that will lead to opportunity. There is no middle class anywhere in latin america, why? Tyranny has ruled latin america long enough, time to force thier elite to change thier ways. That is not hatred to want to improve a close neighbor and impower them to a greater responsibility to thier people is it?
December 18, 2007
2:16 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Saudi Arabia uses it's oil wealth to build universities and empower thier people. United Arab Emerates built huge import and export capabilities with thier oil wealth. Welfare is almost non existant in these nations because they used thier oil revenues to enrich thier people. Saudi Arabia is currently building three new cities for her people with her oil wealth. I may not share thier religious beliefs, but I admire what they have done for thier people. Thus we should recognize what they have done for thier people and defend them again foriegn aggression or militant extremists. Latin America on the other hand could care less for thier people, they do token gestures in the face of rampant poverty. They rich elite are getting fat off the oil while thier people starve in shanty towns. They want to solve the problem by allowing U.S. corporation to exploit the poverty of thier people by building factories on thier soil. They should get fair wages and benifits, but thats not going to happen as the U.S. corporations get rich through thier exploitation. Canada takes care of her people, Mexico abuses her people. Human rights violations, look a Latin America, juantas, generals, they rule by force. Democracy, the forming of a republic is difficult because they rule the people with a military inside thier own boarders. Why do you think thier citizens are fleeing in record numbers, they long for opportunity and a better life. Thus the solution lays in the diplomacy of our politicians, who themselves have become arrogantly corrupted on both sides of the aisle. Republican or democrat, you get to chose the cashier you want in power. Both parties are selling out this country for a song. Latin America is the one of the most exploited in western hemisphere, it needs to change. They are not giving thier people true opportunity as it doesn't serve the needs of the elite to share power with the people.
December 18, 2007
10:28 a.m.
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claysmaine writes:
Louie, have you ever lived in Latin America or are you speaking from what you read and hear on TV? I lived in Paraguay for five years as a Peace Corps volunteer and I can tell you from my experience that things are not what the media paints them to be. Latin countries are improving exponentially. The only thing that is really holding them back is the fact that IMF and the World Bank have to make sure that these countries do what they want them to if they want money to better their countries. In 2005 Argentina paid off the IMF and President Kirchner said to his people that not one more tax dollar will be paid to the Yankees and that the Argentinian government will decide how their tax dollars will be spent. Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Venezuela do not pay for health care as they have a deal trading oil with Cuba for doctor to come to their countries to help teach their doctors better practices. Hugo Chavez contrary to US media views has made some wonderful changes in his country with oil money as some middle eastern countries have done. Things are very different then we paint them to be, but we have interests in Latin America so we have to make them look bad so that when we invade we have reason. Sound familiar? Saddam Hussein? Well I guess we cant leave intelligence for people who trust in only US media for their information. According to Transparency International do not rate so well on their corruption index, with media being our worst corruption. I think that people really need to look past race, creed and sex and try to make the world a better place. We all have to live together on this planet so we might as well learn to get along instead find the inabilities of each other and use that to further separate each other. I personally when asked what my race is always refuse to answer because race to me is not important. I know that one day our ignorance will catch up to us if we let it but I have decided that I am going to do all I can to make everyone feel equal by not categorizing people by the color of their skin and when they came from. The statue of Liberty does still say, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, temptest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
December 18, 2007
11:10 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
I lived in Panama, and I visited Mexico quite frequently. Served time in Florida with Castro's finest. Some of the badest I ever knew and worked for in this world were cuban. I hold them in the highest regard for abilities you would find hard to understand. I love thier culture and they bring much to America. General Trijillios was a tyrant to his people, I walked down the dirt streets of Colon witnessing proverty on a scale unequalled in America. I always hoped the Canal treaty would bring greater prosperity to the panamanian people, it is the greatest gift America could bestow upon the country of Panama. I didn't really care for the JOTC School, but then I didn't really care for my MOS either.
December 18, 2007
8:33 p.m.
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wethepeople writes:
Oohh, honey, I feel like I've stepped into a Klan meeting. I haven't seen writing like this since, oh yeah, welfare reform. I think the phrasing was a little different then. You know, it was those darkie Black people that were abusing the system, having too many babies and draining the taxpayers of all their money. We were supposed to go back to Africa. Do you remember that or were you too young? Talk to your momma and your daddy. I'm sure you didn't come up with these "original" ideas all by yourself.
Anyway, I read the article and I want to add a correction. There are too many instances where too many applicant records are being misaligned within the CBMS database. An example is a 7 month old girl in Denver County being labelled as a 47 year old man in Alamosa County and therefore being denied Medicaid. That IS a database problem. The notion that CBMS does not play a role in the denials process is simply not true. When 60+ applicant records are lost one day, only to "magically" reappear the following day, some of us call that a corrupt database table. The first thing the State can do is acknowledge that they have a systemic problem. That would go a long way in helping our neighbors get their food.
December 19, 2007
11:08 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Man sister, you're so right. I go back to Gary, Moline, Chicago, Detroit, the factories are closing up. So many brothers and others standing unemployed cause the factories have closed up. There is a grand openning in Mexico though. You'd think the government would take care of a americans first, no they find it easier to close up and give the work to other countries. Sad, when you see brothers and others in good middle class factory jobs who can't find a job, cheap labor is being over run as well. Ain;t my job why should I care....YET! Corporate America found somebody new to exploit, sad to see those boarded up neighborhoods in America's toolbox. How long can they get welfare after the unemployment insuranse runs out? Crime, riots, proud people get pissed when there isn't any work to feed thier families. I guess I'm lucky, my wife and I already raised our five children on good paying jobs with benifits; hope my kids and yours will be as lucky!
December 20, 2007
4:47 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
America stands up for Americans; regardless of your race or faith, the poker chips are yours and mine. We are the citizens of one of the greatest nations in modern history. I win, you win. I want to see America rise up to lead the world; as citizens of Rome had greatness, you owed your strenth to Rome. I want to pick up my fellow countyman, before I even begin to mop up the world. We, a people of many races, colors, and castoffs of foriegn nations, have all built this country, we die in each others arms on it's battlefield, and surely our children will inherit what we built. I do not want to squander the torch of freedom, but on those who pay it's price; my country bleeds many colors, the cloak of many colors. A citizenship to America is prized the world over, it should always come with a premium attached. Thus laws were made to govern immigration, to do what the majority at the time deemed necessary. We created a set of laws, those laws govern the day; we protect our nation with great doctorines of law. If the majority rules, it can be overturned in a court of law. Point being these laws were accepted by the majority to be benificial to our nation. Damn, that ain't too bad in a world where a nation's survival relies on a military riding shotgun in the streets. America has what it takes to rise up to greatness, our forefathers left us a great nation. Please don't sqauander my nations inheritance.