The Lifeline program is already up and running in 37 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. But it hasn’t yet been approved in Oregon despite the fact that the state recently won a $5,000,000 bonus for increasing the number of residents on food stamps more than any other state.
Judicial Watch reports, “In its quest to promote taxpayer-funded entitlement programs, the Obama Administration has actually rewarded one state with a $5 million bonus for its efficiency in adding food-stamp recipients to already bulging rolls.”
“It’s part of the administration’s campaign to eradicate “food insecure households” by improving access and increasing participation in the government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Incidentally, the program was recently changed to SNAP to eliminate the stigma that comes with a name like food stamps. Just a few months ago the federal agency that administers the program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), launched a multi-million-dollar initiative to recruit more food-stamp participants even though the number of recipients has skyrocketed in the last few years.”
Being on food stamps is, of course, one of the primary ways to qualify for the Lifeline program, so approving the program would seem to be a no-brainer for whatever government entity is responsible for such things in the Beaver State.
The food stamp statistics seem to be a clear indication that the state has far more than its fair share of needy residents, other stats cinch the case. For example, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state’s unemployment rate in August 2011 is a sky high 9.6%.
Of course, that number is better than neighboring California’s dismal 12.1% rate, but Oregon’s needy will take no solace in the fact that there are more unemployed Californians than there are total Oregonians, both employed and unemployed.
At a time like this, in an economy like this, Oregon’s economically-disadvantaged residents could really use the assistance offered by the Lifeline program. It offers free cell phones and 250 free minutes per month to the economically-disadvantaged. Considering Oregon’s increase in food stamp users, it seems as though the state’s residents would welcome the program with open arms.
Lifeline will help its recipients get in touch with potential employers and get them off the welfare rolls. It will help them stay in touch with their children. And it will help them reach their doctors during emergencies.
So c’mon, Oregon. What are you waiting for? Your neediest residents need Lifeline.
v.p. says
They can legalize marijuana but cant get it ok’d to get free cell phone service here in Oregon…kinda backwards dont you think?
Free Government Cell Phones says
As a graduate of the University of Oregon, I think a lot of things are backward about the state.
Irealnd56 says
Thank you for your assistance I do appreciate very much,
Thank you so much,
Free Government Cell Phones says
We know how much the free government cell phone program means to millions of needy Americans and we’re here to help. Thanks for your kind words.
Kristin Jeffery says
Was getting lifeline free phone, when That assurance quit doing it in Oregon now my cell phone doesn’t work and I need a new one so I can have and I’m on iPad says SSD and snap program thank you Kristin L Jeffrey
Free Government Cell Phones says
Your Lifeline choices are extremely limited in Oregon, but here’s where you can find the options:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
patty peabody says
want a newer phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good news, Patty. Virtually all free government cell phone companies will allow you to upgrade your phone for a small fee. Contact your service provider to find out which makes and models are available.
Brenda Carrozzi says
wheres the darn form to apply
dave cesaro says
can you tell me what “ruling” is expected from the federal government in November 2011 in regads to Lifeline programs and what it will mean to the Lifeline/Link Upproviders?