Bill sponsored by Rep.David Vitter (L):Taxpayers are currently funding a free cell phone welfare program. Handing out free cell phones is beyond the original intent of the welfare program to make phone service available. Today I introduced a bill that would end the free cell phones. Middle class Americans are struggling underneath this economy, so frankly it's offensive for Washington to make taxpayers pay for cell phones for others. 4951
 It seems like the less I can afford to do for my family the happier government is.  Some-one who works hard but doesn't make enough to have cell phones and doesn't lie can't get one but some-one who lies or doesn't work can?  Tisk Tisk. We have cells but no home phone. Have to switch the DW's to a prepay once her contract is up. 4951
Next they'll be wanting vehicles through welfare.. Smh.... :-/
@tobiewonkinobee: it was called Cash for Clunkers...there is also an added fee to your car inspection that goes into a fund so people can either get their exhaust fixed or buy a new car. 4951
GRRRRR! cray cray!!! I had to change over to a pre paid plan a few years because I was paying more in taxes and data charges then actual phone use. I didn't have a data plan! 4951
I can understand and accept the original intent of the program, to provide a phone to the elderly, poor and infirm. But they meant a landline, not a free cell phone, multiple cell phones at that. I have a few patients who use this program, have a free cell phone and rarely use the phone - it's there in case of an emergency. But I had two patients who not only had the freebie, they also had purchased cell phones with unlimited minutes - cause they could afford it on the prepaid plan. They only got the freebie "because they could". IMO they should take the program back to the original concept and make people qualify for it - not give the phone to any young able bodied person who wants a free phone or 2 or 3 or .................... 4951
911 will work on any phone even if it doesn't have a service plan. There is no reason to give minutes on a plan. I think its like 250 free minutes and they can purchase more. 4951