Much of the spending would be for items such as health care, jobless benefits, food stamps and other programs that benefit victims of the downturn.

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The program is open to people who meet federal poverty guidelines or are on food stamps, Medicaid or other assistance programs, and only one Lifeline subscriber is allowed per household.

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They have a disproportionate tendency to be living close enough to the edge to be eligible for food stamps, Medicaid, and other government programs meant to aid low-income households.

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Darden Harvest is making sure that families have enough food in their bellies to make their other engagement programs matter.

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He hasn't embraced the bill Mr. Ryan shepherded through the House earlier this year that would fend off year-end cuts in military spending by squeezing from food stamps and other social-safety-net programs.

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By the way, the Highway Trust Fund for Transportation is exempted from cuts, as are many other programs such as Social Security, Medicaid, VA and Food Stamps to name a few.

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Whether or not Texas ever realizes its privatization plan, other states are picking up Texas' lead in seeking to privatize their food stamp programs.

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Along with other efforts, there will be an increase in sidewalk recycling bins as well as new food waste composting programs, which the mayor hopes will help the city attain a 30 percent recycling rate by 2017.

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