Chris' Tumblr

Want Medicaid? Ditch the Vanity Plate

In addition to wanting to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, the Mississippi legislature would also like to prevent Medicaid recipients from getting vanity license plates. Presumably because 1) this is somehow a problem and 2) this is apparently such a huge problem in Mississippi that it needs to be legislated.

From the Jackson Free Press:

Other legislators have targeted specific programs. Sen. Merle Flowers, R-Southaven, wants to prevent Medicaid recipients from getting distinctive license plates.

“An automobile license plate is a privilege, just like your driver’s license is a privilege,” he said. Most specialty tags cost about $30 to $50.

“If you’re on welfare, you ought to spend that money on medicine or food,” Flowers said.

“If the taxpayers are picking up the tab for your health-care costs and/or your welfare benefits, you ought to be responsible enough to spend our money wisely.”

Flowers’ bill would require the Division of Medicaid and the State Tax Commission to develop a computer program to determine whether license-plate applicants are Medicaid recipients, although he still says the benefits of the program would outweigh the costs of developing it.

“We sent a man to the moon in the ’60s,” he said. “Surely we can figure out a computer program that is low-cost, … simple and effective at preventing Medicaid recipients and welfare recipients from getting a vanity license plate.”

Why stop there? If you’re comparing a vanity plate to a driver’s license, perhaps Medicaid recipients shouldn’t be allowed to drive at all. Force them to use public transportation.

Should Medicaid recipients be allowed to purchase designer clothing, or even shop at high end department stores? Perhaps they should be given a list of approved discount stores that they can shop at.

And no name-brand food. Generic or store-brand only.

And no Christmas gifts. They need to stop doing that. What a complete waste. Keep it to a strictly religious observance. But limit what they can put in the collection basket.

Seriously, though, are Medicaid recipients purchasing vanity plates en masse? And are they buying multiple plates for their four vehicles each, plus ten to hang in the living room? (note: refrain from Mississippi joke here) What’s one $30 purchase?

These legislators need to get a grip. Just because people elected you to make laws, doesn’t mean you should go making them on a whim.