Being Poor Is Getting Harder

Eight states are proposing that people get tested for drugs before receiving government assistance. Proponents say it’s a health issue but, as demand for these programs surges, it surely sends a different kind of message. Meanwhile, a bill in the Tennessee Legislature would cap lottery winnings at $600 for people on public assistance. Considering that poor people play lotteries way out of proportion to others and that lotteries are big moneymakers for states themselves (since they take such a huge rake), isn’t Tennessee risking a big loss?

I think lotteries should be illegal. It has to be the most regressive tax there is. Also, it’s a shame that any change would make the poor feel like they are losing something, never mind the budget hole it would leave.