"Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) has been taking a closer look at the program since she personally received an invitation to apply for a free, government-subsidized cell phone in the mail. McCaskill has asked the FCC to investigate Lifeline. As a result, the FCC is building a database to see if a subscriber has more than one subsidized phone. In other words, until recently, such a database didn't exist."

Why in the hell is the fed paying for cell phones?

Aww see and all this time I thought it was something Virgin Mobile was doing on their own. It makes sense for a cell company to do it get rid of old phones score some public service points and they are only doing 250 min a month. However for the gov. to be doing it doesn't make a lot of sense, unless it cost less than doing free 911 to poor people on landlines. Somehow I doubt it does.

Amazing, why do we work and pay taxes? We are chumps. I think everyone should quit their job and apply for all these government programs.

Lost cost housing
Food stamps
Welfare
Medicaid
Free phones
Energy subsidies

I'm sure I've missed a few.

I'm sure I've missed a few.

I am sure you have missed more than a few.

It's much harder for poor people to get a job without a phone or access to the internet.

That noted, the lack of oversight here seems retarded.

Be Well.

/KK, off to kill undead things.
//S'fun fer Spud! ^_^
///Exiting DR now as ya do
stage left.

Poor people having phones? Oh shit they might be able to be called into work or call police when they have an emergency. Fuck you, poor people, we have to cut the taxes on rich people, and you ALL MUST PITCH IN because every cent in the pocket of a guy who already has more than enough helps our economy! Fuck that Jesus guy, he doesn't know shit!

-Exps"Redemption"

Aside from Exps' usual "fuck the poor" attitude, yes when a program's young it's easier to abuse, and some people WILL abuse it. Welcome to real life. Glad they're getting their shit together because this program, at it's core, is a wonderful idea. This is better than just throwing old phones in a landfill, that's for sure.

#7 | Posted by soheifox at 2012-02-09 11:35 AM | Reply | Flag:

Gee... I didn't say anything about it yet. I just posted the story. Misdirected emotional reaction much?

If you can't see the abuse and lack of preparation on the part of the agency implementing this program you have to be a glaring idiot.

It is that abuse and lack of preparation that is the focal point of this story.

By the way, they can already call the police when they have an emergency.

I think it is hilarious that you have "doesn't know shit" in your post, as you seem to be the one that "doesn't know shit".

Wow, just think ...... we could save each taxpayer a buck fifty! A year!

Good work express, in the time you took to create your headline and post this crap, working people made ten times that amount. Perhaps that's really at the root of the daily misery you seem so eager to make public here on the DR.

And if G.W. Bush was behind it, ChiefTutMoses would be putting on the war paint and whooping it up around the fire.

Unemployed people need only a land line and a library card for internet access. Land line phone are only about $10 a month cell phone generally run around $50. Cell phone are a luxury and shouldn't be provided from my taxes.

It's much harder for poor people to get a job without a phone or access to the internet.

It's much harder for poor people to get a job without a car - so let's give them free cars.

It's much harder for poor people to get a job without an education - so let's give them free education.

it's much harder for poor people to get a job without a computer - so let's give them free computers.

it's much harder for poor people to get a job without an iphone - so let's give them free iphones.

it's much harder for poor people to get a job without a private secretary - so let's pay for each of them to have a private secretary.

it's much harder for poor people to get a job in the winter without warm winter clothing - so let's pay for their warm winter clothes.

And It's even harder for people to get a job when they're not looking for one because the government pays for all of their expenses.

#12 | Posted by dr_dude2

"Thinks" cell phones and cars cost the same.

Also "thinks" millions of unemployed love living on nada.

If run well, investments like these can pay for themselves over time in the overall economy.

But then, dedicated, oblivious Crackers wouldn't have so much to cry about.

"#10 | Posted by wisgod at 2012-02-09 12:35 PM | Reply | Flag:"

The "lifeline" program started in 1996.
GW didn't kill it; in fact, it continued to grow under his administration.
But unlike you all, I didn't sweat the couch change then just like I don't sweat it now. Perhaps if I had nothing better to do then display my constipation on some two-bit blog 24/7, I would be more like you and incessantly whine about pennies and bullshit political suffixes.

Why in the hell is the fed paying for cell phones?

#2 | POSTED BY GLASSHOUSE AT 2012-02-09 10:21 AM | REPLY | FLAG

why do you hate the poor?

If run well, investments like these can pay for themselves over time in the overall economy.

But then, dedicated, oblivious Crackers wouldn't have so much to cry about.

#13 | Posted by Corky at 2012-02-09 12:58 PM | Reply | Flag:

Of course it does not appear to be run very well at the moment... and thus the reason for posting the article.

why do you hate the poor?

#15 | Posted by somoco at 2012-02-09 01:03 PM | Reply | Flag:

Why do you think they have a right to my earned money? Another example of why "poor" doesn't have any realistic meaning anymore - just a term to use for class warfare by the libshit left.

Can you hear me now?

just a term to use for class warfare by the libshit left.

#17 | POSTED BY E_PLURIBUS_UNUM AT 2012-02-09 02:37 PM | REPLY | FLAG

why do you hate God?

"The best way to help the poor is to make them uncomfortable in their poverty"

This headline, 'Washington Footing the Cell Phone Bill for Millions of Low Income Americans', is at best deceptive. A typical drudge-encrusted clap trap.

Do something different, read a more factual account.

The headline is bullshit.

A. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 was proposed by Congressional Republicans who wanted to deregulate broadcast airwaves to allow multiple media ownership in markets (see Clear Channel, Sinclair Broadcasting, Cumulus - right wing owned entities who now own multiple radio and TV stations in the same markets.)

B. The program came to be after the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was passed, and the FCC created the Universal Service Fund to help "to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable, and affordable rates," (from the linked article!)

These cell phones are paid for out of that fund, not by the federal government.

More proof low IQ's tend to be conservatives

Good work express, in the time you took to create your headline and post this crap, working people made ten times that amount.

#9 | Posted by ChiefTutMoses at 2012-02-09 12:29 PM | Reply | Flag:

Then they can obviously afford to buy a TracPhone for $7 and spend $3 a week on pre-paid cards.

the FCC created the Universal Service Fund to help "to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable, and affordable rates," (from the linked article!)

These cell phones are paid for out of that fund, not by the federal government.

More proof low IQ's tend to be conservatives

#23 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2012-02-10 12:13 AM | Reply | Flag:

"The 1996 act also "mandated the creation of the universal service fund (USF) into which all telecommunications providers are required to contribute a percentage of their interstate and international end-user telecommunications revenues"

#23 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2012-02-10 12:13 AM | Reply | Flag:

The title is taken from the original article headline. By clicking on the headline at the top of the post you will be sent to a Yahoo site with the article. There you can see that the article came from Time.com.

If you don't know who TIME Magazine you might just be deficient in the intelligence department.

If run well, investments like these can pay for themselves over time in the overall economy.

I won't hold my breath waiting for the federal government to send me my money back once this "investment" has "paid for itself."

Why in the hell is the fed paying for cell phones?

It's a bare-bones cell phone with only 8.2 minutes a day of time paid for by the government. I think it's a justifiable use of government aid for the poor, as long as there's a limit of one per person. People need a phone for emergencies, job seeking and the like.

#29 That was the 'plan'. Sadly it has not worked out that way. Like every other entitlement 'plan'. There are NO checks and balances in place to prevent abuse. And abuse is rampant. It comes with 250 minutes a month. I don't use 250 minutes a month.

"It's a bare-bones cell phone with only 8.2 minutes a day of time paid for by the government. I think it's a justifiable use of government aid for the poor, as long as there's a limit of one per person. People need a phone for emergencies, job seeking and the like."

Of course you think it is justifiable. Somehow the world did not exist before cell phones or other electronic communications devices. Now everyone must have one and if you can't afford it, the gv should give you one. Certainly can't have Johnny feelings hurt hanging out with hhis friends and be the only one without a cell phone. That would have huge implications when he gets older.

Let me guess, like everything else, it is another basic human right? Like free cable, free transportation, free healthcare, free housing, free tickets...

BTW... They already subsidize land lines for the poor, and can accomodate the emergencies, job seeking and the likes...

It's a bare-bones cell phone with only 8.2 minutes a day of time paid for by the government.

That's funny, since the article says it "covers up to 250 free minutes each month."

I think it's a justifiable use of government aid for the poor

That's funny, since the article says "phones go to people who don't qualify."

as long as there's a limit of one per person

That's funny, since the article says "hundreds of thousands of those who do qualify have more than one phone."

Are you that desperate to support an idea in the abstract that you are ignoring how it plays out in real life?

Fuck...250 / 30...I'm out of here.

People need a phone for emergencies, job seeking and the like.

#29 | Posted by rcade

It also is nice to keep in touch with the members of your Posse.

50 years ago jobs were gotten by calling on the regular phone. Then take a bus to the interview. Noone bitched about that system either.
Now we have to pay for welfare people's phones? So they can call their buddies over for a bowl full?
One more notch down on the slippery slope.

People need a phone to get a job.
People need a job to get a phone.

It is a cycle people can't break without help.

IMHO, all calls on a government provided phone CAN be monitored the same way and for the same reasons your boss can monitor your email from a work computer.

Why in the hell is the fed paying for cell phones?
#2 | Posted by glasshouse

Why is easy. It buys votes.
And how is the fed paying for cell phones?
Hey. When you think you can borrow and print indefinitely, there is no limit to what you can do - yet.

Are you that desperate to support an idea in the abstract that you are ignoring how it plays out in real life?

My comment already made clear that my support is conditional on whether it's properly managed to avoid scammers.

When are people going to learn there is no "FREE LUNCH"

My comment already made clear that my support is conditional on whether it's properly managed to avoid scammers.

So your comment is limited to a fictional scenario that doesn't exist. Good to know.

So your comment is limited to a fictional scenario that doesn't exist. Good to know.

And you wouldn't support this program even if it was 100 percent free of waste. There are plenty of well-run government programs for the poor.

Why in the hell is the fed paying for cell phones?

#2 | POSTED BY GLASSHOUSE

They aren't.

Because of retards like you, they are paying a third party vendor to pay for cell phones for the poor. The third party vendor is apparently screwing the Federal government. And all because retards like you insist the private sector will do an honest, cheaper, better job.

And you wouldn't support this program even if it was 100 percent free of waste.

There you go, back to fiction. Look at the program for what it is instead of pretending it's something else.

Joe: Would you support this program if it was 100 percent free of waste?

#42 | Posted by Sycophant

They aren't.

Because of retards like you, they are paying a third party vendor to pay for cell phones for the poor. The third party vendor is apparently screwing the Federal government. And all because retards like you insist the private sector will do an honest, cheaper, better job.
--------------
If the government is paying then it's not a free market.

So get your definitions straight.

The government isn't paying for these phones. It's a 'government program', but 'the government' isn't paying for them out of the U.S. Treasury. They're paid for with money collected from Universal Service Fund fees.

The government isn't paying for these phones. It's a 'government program', but 'the government' isn't paying for them out of the U.S. Treasury. They're paid for with money collected from Universal Service Fund fees.
#46 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

In other words, a tax on the market economy.

No contribution from Danni yet. I'll wait I guess. Usually like to include her posts in my responses :)

JM

The money is a federal tax on telecom providers.

#25 | Posted by vernon

Or Verm, a user fee. Rent. The price of admission.

Why does Verm hate capitalism?

Would you support this program if it was 100 percent free of waste?

No. I think phones can be paid for out of the welfare we already give to poor people.

A better question would be "why do you lean on hypothetical and non-existent "waste-free" scenarios for your support of this program rather than denouncing it as it currently exists?"

Any chance cell phone companies lobbied for millions of new customers, paid for by uncle sam? They probably provided the list of dead beats who didn't pay their bills to get the program started.

And if G.W. Bush was behind it, ChiefTutMoses would be putting on the war paint and whooping it up around the fire.

#10 | Posted by wisgod at 2012-02-09 12:35 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag:

Try again.

#46 | Posted by AMERICUNT at 2012-02-10 02:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

OK, A.Cunt, one more time ..... pay attention:

"The 1996 act also "mandated the creation of the universal service fund (USF) into which all telecommunications providers are required to contribute a percentage of their interstate and international end-user telecommunications revenues"

Whether the money flows through the U.S. Treasury or not is irrelevant, you stupid bag of onions. It is a federal tax, based on revenue.

These assholes don't give a fuck if poor kids get stranded and don't have a phone. It's not like they are giving out Iphones. Just basic phones. Payphones are all but gone. All I'm reading is fuck the poor on here. I was once poor and couldn't afford a phone. It was a bitch to get a job. Even basic phone plans are 40 a month. Which isn't a lot but to a poor person it is.

If you have an issue with helping the poor you are a greedy MF that deserves cancer.

Don't they have phone plans for $1.40 a month?

Then an actual phone is $10-$20.

This program is full of fraud.

-------------

''The Lifeline program, overseen by the FCC, has doubled in size since 2008 because more people who qualify have signed up. The costs are paid by the Universal Service Fund, a fee imposed on telecommunications carriers in 1996 that they pass on to customers.''

And who --WHO --signed this bill into law? Why that would be Clinton.

They are charging the tele company and the tele company is passing that tax to the customers--you and me.

You and Me is paying for the phones, the charges, the program.

OH--and it doubled since 2008--when Obama came into office.

Kinda' like the food stamp program..

Murphy hey fattie how much you think it's costing you? A buck or two a month? Eat a few less twinkies and you'll never even notice it missing. Quit being so damn greedy.

One of the reasons the Universal Service Fund exists is to compensate citizens for the loss of pay telephones on every corner, as we used to have. Telcos don't want to maintain all that any more, but those pay phones represented a significant public safety resource. The answer was levying a small charge on phone bills that pays for people in need to have the safety and security of a phone. You know, the way it used to be?

Conservatives should be ashamed of themselves that they're making an issue of this, and doubly ashamed that some are jumping to the conclusion that it's a tax-funded program.

Of course, that's not going to happen.

How ironic VERMIN, who pays no U.S. taxes and lives in Taiwan, is so full of outrage at things that don't affect him one iota.

As I pointed out, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was a Republican idea to deregulate the airwaves.

Go back to the "Monkey/Man sex caused AIDS" thread you can relate to, VERMIN

I want a $10/month cell phone god damn it.

who pays no U.S. taxes and lives in Taiwan, is so full of outrage at things that don't affect him one iota.

As I pointed out, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was a Republican idea to deregulate the airwaves.

Go back to the "Monkey/Man sex caused AIDS" thread you can relate to, VERMIN

#59 | Posted by AMERICUNT at 2012-02-10 10:58 PM | Reply |

It's always easy to know that I've cornered AmeriCunt. This loser will always say something about my tax payments.

1. OK, A.Cunt, one more time . . . I pay city, county, state and federal taxes. I pay far more taxes to Tennessee than you do.

I also pay taxes to Taiwan.

2. No outrage. Only amusement at watching you make a fool of yourself. Again.

3. I don't give a flying fuck if this sorry-ass giveaway was started by a Republican or a Democrat. Why would I? Why do you feel the need to say so? (assuming it's accurate. A big assumption, considering the source).

4. I have not made a single post on the monkey AIDS thread. So telling me to "Go back" only reveals how ignorant you are, and how clouded your mind is.

I don't usually practice schaudenfreund, but you are a 'special' case. Time for my victory lap.

No. I think phones can be paid for out of the welfare we already give to poor people.

How do you feel about the fees paid to subsidize rural electrification and telephony? If that was ok, why does the choice of technology or the location of the people receiving the subsidy dictate whether or not the subsidy is right or wrong?

My biggest problem with this program as well as other hand out programs is the apparent lack of enforcement. Failure to properly enforce the rules leads to fraud and abuse which leads to loss of public support for the programs; making it more difficult for the people that really need the help to get it.

Vermin should give up the 'I pay U.S. taxes' line. We all know that's utter BS.

He's an expat living abroad taking advantage of every tax evasion tactic he can.

His claim he pays "more Tennessee tax than you do" is proof. We don't have a state income tax, only sales tax. Vermin lives in Taiwan.

What a liar

This is the rapist sympathizers ways, justify, whine, make excuses, give me more as long as you pay for it...its just great.

The liberals are the downfall of this country and as long as they get all the handouts they want they are just fine with it.

"It's all about me dude" is their motto and "never enuff" along with "gimme more"

Kinda sounds like the ruler himself.

"The costs are paid by the Universal Service Fund, a fee imposed on telecommunications carriers in 1996 that they pass on to customers."

I didn't think corporations passed on fees and taxes to customers. Has the left been lying to me?

There are plenty of well-run government programs for the poor.

#41 | Posted by rcade at 2012-02-10 11:57 AM

How about listing some of them, along with links showing them free of waste and fraud.