Life in "Progress" state - California edition

They called it Paradise
I don't know why
Somebody laid the mountains low
While the town got high...

California welfare recipients will no longer be able to use their state-issued debit cards at medical marijuana shops, psychics, massage parlors and many other businesses whose services have been deemed “inconsistent” with the goals of the program.

The Schwarzenegger administration sent a letter to county welfare directors on Monday announcing that ATMs and point-of-sale card readers in such business will be removed from the network that accepts California’s Electronic Benefits Transfer cards.

Monday’s letter announced that the cards, which access cash meant to help families pay rent and clothe their children, also will no longer work at bail bond establishments, bingo halls, cruise ships, gun shops, bars, racetracks, smoking shops and tattoo parlors.

Reached late Monday afternoon, Department of Social Services spokesman Michael Weston could not say how much welfare money had been spent or withdrawn from the businesses subject to the new ban. He also would not elaborate on how they were chosen. The letter said the businesses are “inconsistent with the intent” of the program.

In June, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger eliminated casinos and poker rooms from the network after The Times reported that more than half the licensed gambling establishments in California had ATMs that accepted the cards.

So now you're going to have to go across the street to the supermarket get cash there and then roll over to the Doobie Shoppe to get your stash.

Giving roaches to welfare recipients?

Now that's "progressive"!

More.....

PS remember to vote today, there's three million stoner, welfare whores waiting for you.