I do think Income Assistance is notorious for causing its recipients undue stress and hardship. I should know. I go through it every day of my life. I am not the only one either. The stress that they put people through is probably enough to fill several therapists' wallets. I am facing being denied some basic services such as a phone. If I have a medical emergency, how am I supposed to be able to call 9-1-1? I have been up all night physically ill from the stress of being denied transportation by Income Assistance. I have that on my hospital record. It is proof of the stress I was caused by being denied certain services by Income Assistance,  a denial of certain human rights. I have a learning disability that prevents me from finding standard traditional work so I write for publications. It is the only 'employment' I can find. I created my own work. Now I have a bibliography and if anyone wants me to write for them, feel free to contact me.

Recipients of Income Assistance are forced to use food banks, probably can't afford dental care, or a phone. They are being denied what are likely basic human rights. This is unacceptable and there should be something done about it but that is not the case. The system keeps them this way rather than helping them get off the system. The system wants to hinder the recipients. They would rather have them struggling. It keeps the caseworkers working, etc. The bus passes discount for those on low income was a small start in the right direction. I hope that program continues. I hear the new program for those on low income to receive free bus passes is continually postponed. I believe that is because they don't want to lose coveted revenue.

The future for recipients of Income Assistance won't brighten until they finally relent and 1. Increase their rental rates and become realistic, 2. Allocate more allowance for their recipients to have enough money to survive on per month, 3. Make transportation more affordable and possible and 4. Stop forcing their recipients to prove why they need a phone. Everyone needs a phone. If there is a medical emergency, and my phone allowance is taken away from me, then I have the right to hold someone criminally negligent and liable.

I hope this insanity can be cured. —Heddy

Three and-a-half million spent on makeover of Fort Needham Memorial Park? What the hell is Fort Needham Park? Where the hell is Fort Needham Park? Can I have my tax money back? Shouldn’t that have been spent on affordable housing? —It’s My Money Too

Specific money bills lost somewhere in my travels on Spring Garden Road while doing errands the Friday before Halloween. To whomever found it, sure would be nice to somehow get it back but I doubt I will unless you read this and respond with a kind, return to owner heart.  I can tell you more specifics about the money. Do you realize how hard I have to work for the money I make at my job? —Didn't Make My Weekend Or Life

So, I find myself getting into conversations with people about the "necessity" or the "need" to tip every single person that offers a service.  Myself, I tip based on service, not on looks or routine. When I go to a restaurant, I look for two things: 1) the service from the server and 2) the quality of the food. That's it.  If the food sucks or the service is bad, I am not obligated to tip, which usually leaves a sour look on the servers face.  Yes, I know, servers are very hard working and tips do help them out a lot with the bad wages they probably receive, but I work hard too and if you make me feel like I am unwanted in your restaurant, then why should I give you a reward. It's not because I am “cheap,” it’s because I have an old-school expectation that when I go out and spend a good amount of money on food at a restaurant, I kind of expect good service.

Also, it seems like every place you use a debit machine, it asks for a tip.  Most of these places you have to pay before you even receive your items so how am I supposed to tip based on quality if I haven't even tried your food. Maybe some one should tip me for using self-service gas…

I am not bad mouthing the service industry, I am just annoyed with the fact that I am expected to tip for nothing nowadays just because it "socially expected.” —I guess I'm cheap

Love that our government will spend money on the design and making of our money (new $10 bills and quarters that glow in the dark). Put it in to our wages, tired or working minimum wage while in school! —Working my way to paying more in taxes