I don't know why it would matter if you did or did not know someone who is benefiting from this program. The proof is in the stated numbers from Alliant. If I was not an Alliant customer, then I guess I would not have as much to gripe about, but they also are enjoying federal dollars well.

Does that make me more right if I know 14 people who receive assistance? That is flawed logic.

If it does not bother you to pay more for taxes, rates, and fees, on behalf of people who take advantage of services and do not pay, you are a much more charitable person than I.

Yes, the deleted ones are counted. We might be tied with those! ;~)

I too would like to complain about people who take advantage. I don't know any personally but I know they exist. I can't believe what people I don't know will do to screw the rest of us. Just because you have to be dirt poor to get help and it doesn't cost me very much, I still think these people are horrible horrible people. Even though I don't know anyone who uses it.

As far as I'm concerned, hannah hasn't posted enough. ;~)

User Profile » gazettefan

Joined: Oct. 30, 2007

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Any time you have a beneficial program like this people will take advantage of it. So, because of that we shouldn't help anyone? Clearly, people have a problem thinking things through. The grid works because everyone is attached to it. Otherwise it would be a bridge to nowhere.

So you're telling me the power company is going to go totally out of business if these people don't pay their bills?
I find that very hard to believe. The people who actually have legitimate reasons for falling behind, I mean.

Not those that stopped paying their bill because they knew the moratorium existed, or because Christmas was coming and they bought presents, or because they knew they could qualify for the Energy Assistance.

That is milking the system, and it should be stopped.

im going to have to with the ones who need assistance should receive and to the fullest extent. my spouse also lost a job, but who hasnt lately.we have unemployment,my job which pays below 8 dollars an hour. my spouse also has bad health,but mine is not so bad, so i donate blood twice a week to supplement our income. we pay all our bills and the money from the blood donations is mine to do what i want with it. so there are ways people can make extra money for the things they want, but that would consist of scraping some of them off the couch and putting your foot in their ass.an yes it pisses me off when i have to donate blood for extra things i want, and others just sit around and suck the life out of everything they can. then i see people who really need the help and cant get it, whats wrong with that picture?

Tragedy struck the Lincoln family when Honest Abe's wooden teeth drove his wife nuts.

justsaynotomath, truce. Topics like this make me feel like Abe Lincoln in the new Diet Mt. Dew commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbCkgKQhx...

I was apologizing to everyone else, not to you.

If cigarettes were only 3 bucks a day and there was only one smoker in the house, not smoking would save about 90 bucks a month.

Even if your heating bill used to be 500 bucks a month, the 11% increase would be an additional 55 bucks. You'd be 35 bucks ahead.

The Gingerbread Man was laid off, too.

I reserve personal attacks for special occasions. justsaynotocommonsense, are you serious, Hi,I'm Earth, have we met? When almost 10% of Alliant USERS, (not customers, customers pay) are in default, who do you think picks up the slack. The Gingerbread Man? Do you think Alliant will send out a heartfelt letter to all of its employees and suppliers and explain they will now receive 10% less than what they were promised. Every bill paying customer will eat it with the next PSC approved rate increase. Alliant doesn't give a crap, because I can't get my electricity anywhere else, and the PSC needs to keep utility companies "above water". If you mess with the bull you'll get the horns JSNTCS. Save the bandwidth for someone who has at least half a clue. I don't have to agree with everyone, but to make a second grade comment like that is infuriating when you make your the World is flat type comments.

To everyone else, I apologize for my remarks, I truly hate to make it personal, but I felt an obligation. Sorry.

justsaynotomath, are you kidding? "how exactly are you affected by them not paying their bill ?" Ah, reread the article and the posts. There is a line item on Alliant Energy's bill for non-payment by others that we have to pay. So, that is why it's other people's business.

...so many against handouts to those who take advantage (which I agree with by the way), but still found it ok to elect a president who is for socializing everything and handouts everywhere...kind of ironic isn't it?

Well said, sbm-citizen, hannah, etc. I for one am also tired of constant handouts to people who feel that working (or trying to) is beneath them. As said before, they seem to have all the latest gadgets, cable, computers, etc., but when it comes to paying for necessities, it's "oops, I'm poor. I need to sign up for assistance".

Every night when I go home, I pass several establishments (bars) and I see the same 3 vehicles there that belong to people who I know for a fact that are on assistance. They claim there's no work for them or that a job might bother my finger I hurt 20 years ago that's now acting up. By the way, they've been on assistance for a number of years, not just recent "victims" of the economy. Funny, they could find their way to a tavern, but never to a job interview.

Before people start yelling at me, I do realize that we need assistance programs available to those who actually "need" it, but there are too many abuses in the system.

Though I think Hannah may have gone about this in the wrong way, or perhaps worded it in a way that would get everyone up in arms, what is being said has good substance. For instance, I applied for energy assistance this year and was denied. I work a full-time job, though live paycheck to paycheck, and my electricity bill in Jan was more than one of my paychecks, i have three children, and attend college working toward my bachelor's degree part-time, all while trying to make ends meet. I do not receive child support for my kids regularly, and am barely making ends meet just to get through school. I rent, have been on the waiting list for 3 years for rental assistance(of which I FINALLY came to the top of 2 months ago, but have yet to see any funds yet), and do not qualify for food stamps either(make $15 more than allowed per my family size per month, and $15 doesn't buy a whole lot for a family of 4!). I am the working poor. I would actually benefit more as far as being more qualified for assistance programs and would be able to finish school quicker, if I got fired or layed off from my job! Everytime I take a raise, I actually LOSE money from my pay, because my daycare assistance lessens, and i am required to pay more out of pocket, and my health care monthly premium increases through Badgercare, meaning I am actually LOSING money more than what the raise was!!! But yet I see people on housing and other assistance that cannot even get a job at a gas station or elsewhere, and would rather just sit on the assistance making the rest of us hardworking needy, having to wait for the resources!! Yet these slackers are driving nicer cars than me and wearing nicer clothes. And no caseworker, or city officer or anything seems to want to do anything about this.... there is no time limit you can be on these resources.... I don't see many of them being required to search for employement... Hannah I think was just trying to point out that if the working poor like myself is going to have to donate to that (Hometown Energy Assistance Fund, through Alliant, added directly onto my bill regardless of my say), and I'm not going to qualify for any of the help myself as a poor working mother, then I hope like heck it's not going to the people that CHOOSE to not help themself. I hope it really IS going to someone who needs it!

I agree with those that abuse the system, they should streamline their priorities.
However, I have seen those that actually need and deserve the help get turned away because of a technicality, and that's sad.

The elderly are a perfect example. Go see how much in benefits these people are eligible for, after paying in taxes all their lives. Then see what someone who NEVER paid in a red cent gets.

Not sure why these comments have to turn into personal attacks but apparently that is the Janesville way.

As far as the comments on judging people and their choices, as a voting, tax paying citizen I ABSOLUTELY have the right to question where my tax dollars are going and to insist that there be some responsibility in the handing out of those dollars. These are public programs, supported by public funds that come out of the working publics budgets. I fully support assitance programs for those truly in need but because there are so many people out there that don't even want to help themselves too often when an otherwise independent person falls into a TEMPORARY situation beyond their control there is nothing left for them.

Bottom line for me whether it through my tax dollars or directly from me, if you don't want me in your business and judging it - then don't expect me to pay for it. You can't have it both ways, if you want public support that needs to come with public scrutiny.

I get frustrated too...I get mad at the people getting the Food stamps and getting all this assistance and they sit in the waiting room at work playing on their IPhone.....I dont get it...It seems like they can afford more than I can and I work a 40 hour week!!!

I agree, though I know it's not popular, with hannah and placebo. I do not begrudge any person with a legitimate claim to help. but lets face it, we live in a society who think cable and cell phones and cigarettes and booze are more important than heat or electricity. I only ask that I give to the peoples I choose. You don't have a choice. If you look on your bill every month you will notice that some of the money you pay goes toward those who don't! I don't agree with that. I am avery generous person and would give to people if they really needed it, but again I like to have the choice. My bill has been extremly high as well and we have not had our heat past 60 all winter. But I still managed to pay it. I think we have to rethink our priorities.

Mikki-No one said ALL were abusing the system.

or another ploy used by many is to use their kids or other relatives name and ss number to get power, clearly against the law...

I guess I agree with hannah. I know many who have internet, cell phone, cable tv, steak in the freezer or pizza hut coming to the door and oh my, they can not pay their elec bill. I guess that shows you what some people have on their priority list!!

Yep, ALL those people who haven't paid are just abusing the system.
I bet.
Every day there are layoffs announced in the newspaper. Every day there are people losing their jobs.
That Phd in Working the System worked out real good for Those folks, huh.

I understand what hannah was saying and I agree with her on this.
Placebo explained this very well.
To those slamming hannah- Grow up.

Joker, as of April 15 Alliant can start disconnecting service to the people who have not paid their bills or set up a payment plan. The may 15 deadline is for appling for the energy assistance help. It is 2 seperate things that they give the dates for.

Am I missing something? Is the energy assistance program available until May 15 as the headline reads or April 15 as the first sentence in the article states?

Placebo, excellent proof that the people who slammed hannah here were way off base.

The number that irritates me the most is the 13,025 who have paid nothing since the disconnecting freeze went into effect. They are graduates with a PhD in Working The System. It is cynically amusing how those people were able to pay the months leading up to the moratorium, but magically they now cannot. Then, in the next couple of weeks, with piles of unopened Alliant bills and numerous unanswered phone messages, these same people will find it in their hearts to reach out to Alliant and try to "work something out".

Alliant already knows the deal, but for pennies on the dollar, they will settle the fall and winter bills to avoid bad P.R.

Alliant already knows x amount of "customers" will not pay or not pay enough, like any other business they will budget for it. The problem is, all paying Alliant customers pick up the tab. To me this isn't just heat or electricity, it is the constant pie in the face when I pay most of my bills. I end up paying for people who choose not to be responsible, and they are rewarded for their "efforts".

+1 Placebo--Very good posts. I agree 100%--it seems that in today's society we find it much more appropriate to reward irresponsibility under the pretense that the irresponsibility was not the fault of that person, but rather the fault of everything and anything around them. These people are victims, but they are victims of their own bad decisions. Am I advocating turning off the heat to elderly and disabled people?? Absolutely not--but people that have Direct TV, high speed internet, 2 new cars in the driveway, etc yet are still too "poor" to be able to pay their utility bills ......yeah, in that case, turn the heat off and force them to get their priorities straight...

I'm with hannah and gazettefan - the problem isn't with the people who simply can't afford it, it's with the people who instead of removing non-necessities in their life (such as liquor, cigarettes, fancy cell phone, etc.) take the easy way out. I just finished reading a book called "The Working Poor, Invisible in America" by David Shipler. It outlines how it's extremely difficult for those below the poverty line to make it no matter how hard they try, and also outlines stories of people who instead of cutting out the non-necessities, choose to take handout instead of helping themselves. Poverty is a vicious cycle that is difficult to get out of for many, but you aren't going to get sympathy from me if you aren't making an effort - starting with cutting non-necessities out of your lifestyle.

hannah wasn't talking about the ones who are cutting back on things that aren't necessities.

carlito......, lose the cancer sticks and the junk-food.

by the way i smoke but I do not drink and I like chips and dip once in a while too.

I set my thermostat at 50 degrees all winter. It is all I can afford. It's often cold in my house but it's a steady cold so it is tolerable. Thank heavens for my warm dog and electric blanket so I can sleep at night. I do not live extravagantly. I've cut out all extras..including junk food, cable tv, cell phone, clothes dryer...the list goes on and on. My one "extravagance" is my internet connection. Even with all my cutbacks, I still struggle to pay the bills each month. I do not have small children or an elderly person to consider when I am adjusting my thermostat downwards. I am not saying all this to have a pity party. I accept what I can afford and am happy with what I am able to do. But knowing how hard I work to make ends meet and to avoid debt, I do not begrudge people who need help with their heating bill.

hannah? the wants i am talking about are smoking and alcohol. are you going to tell me that ALL below poverty level DONT smoke or drink? just because people are below poverty level does that make them any less then you? Do you drink? why does it matter if they have wants? dont all Humans have wants? I just read your posts and you amaze me. I have paid taxes since i was 14 years old that is over 40 years worth and right now I have no job to pay them with because of the economy amd job loss and injury does that make me unable to have wants in your eyes? yes there are people who use the system but there is also people living in poverty that don't. Some are to proud to ask for help as to the labeling that people do and That point was proven in here today by ignorance and bias statements and if I am wrong on this one than say so JUST because people make less then others does not make them less than anyone in here. I am so glad I was taught as a kid by my role models to never close my door on anyone and to treat those as I would like to be treated as someday I may need a door to be open for me. To believe I am above anyone is not in my way of thinking as I am not and pray I never think I am. I am not perfect and I do not live in a perfect world and honestly I don't believe anyone else is. Maybe instead of belittling those less fortunate then you try giving a little compassion and understanding to those the have wants and can't have them. Just my thoughts and opinions.

What's with you people?! hannah's post only meant that it's belt-tightening time. How many cancer sticks and and bottles of alcohol do you have to stop buying to pay for the 11% increase? It wouldn't be all that much.

None of the complainers about hannah mentioned that they are cutting back on these things. Why not? By the way, lose the junk-food too. And learn some manners!

Some people just don't understand it can happen to them with a simple chain of events . I hope the ones that need the help... get it. and i wish the ones that don't need it...never do.

In 50 plus years I never thought I would be where I am. BUT it can happen to anyone anytime. The anger I feel at some people is sad as to the ignorant posts when they have apparently have never had to feel the fear of losing it all. Until you do what right have you to judge others????????????

Judgemental is what I see, some people that do get behind and are not irresponsible losers, some just don't don't make the wages to keep times with the increases in utilities. I was working and paying my bills, I got injured at work requiring 2 surgeries, the doctor refuses to let me go back to work and the insurance company won't pay. I am now losing my place to live landlord informed me I have to move can't rent another place as no income,(So I guess I will be considered homeless very soon) can't afford to pay anything as no money I have had to retain an attorney and notified by mail they are eliminating 100 jobs and im one of them and I can't get unemployment as I can't legally look for work as to off work because of injury. And I don't think I am alone on this. So before you judge people that have to get help take a walk along side of them,instead of in front of them you might be surprised that they are just a little strapped like the rest of the economy is right now........... IMO

hannah, hannah, hannah so clear you have so much to learn. Your comments are childish and immature..

Yeah, hannah, why don't you look at that other story and see what I was commenting about.

It's SO cute, though, you learned how to cut and paste, but still haven't grasped simple grammar and spelling.

LMAO

A victim is someone who has something wrongfully done to them. Not paying your electricity, or any bill for that matter does not make you a victim, if anything, Alliant is the victim.

I lost my job as well, I found two alternate jobs plus whatever else I have to do. Working weekends, 3rd shift, blah blah blah. My parents taught me that you pay everyone else, then yourself. I didn't have a lot as a kid, but whatever we did have was ours, and not from charity either. There are legitimate cases for this program, but I have no doubts the same program milkers who tap the government, are gladly enjoying the free power.

Some people sure do enjoy blaming the victim. I imagine their parents taught them to pinch babies and kick puppies, as well.
.
In this economy a lot of people are going to have trouble paying their bills. They thought they had a house, now it turns out they owe the bank. They thought they had a retirement account, they thought they had a job. These people are the new faces at ECHO trying to eke things out for one more month before disaster hits.
.
sannio, gas prices are variable according to supply and demand, so you can't predict a doubling in X years. Also, inflation is necessary right now because we are offsetting a tendency toward deflation -- which is much, much worse. This country has very little living memory of deflation.

Ilovehockey-I saw that, too. Short attention span, I think.

As unpopular as it may be on here, I'm with Hannah. If you read her first post, I agree with it 100%. Then to accuse her of living with her parents?

Elderly people and people with legitimate handicaps and disabilities should get a free ride on this one, no exceptions.

As far as the rest of the people, I wonder if they are paying their Direct T.V. or cell phone bills on time?

Anyone is capable of falling under the poverty line, all you have to do is stop working. I know there are some situations where this program works, but my comments are for the leeches. Responsible people who pay there bills no matter what are going to eat this, like every other freeloader program out there.

Programs such as this are actually incentive programs for people not to want to work. Free electricity, free health care, free day care, free or discounted housing, but the only catch is you have to be irresponsible. I don't know what is so wrong with paying your own way.

Take your best shot.

Come on now Hannah. I have read enough of your posts in other places to know that you do frequent bars but that you don't have the money to remodel your gutted bathroom. Not slamming you but I dare say your priorities might not be in all the right places either.

Hannah, you will never justify your comments. I think Snot is an understatement. Anyone under those dollar amounts should be allowed to qualify, no matter what their lifestyle. Who are you to judge! This has been a hard year for alot of people and for you to make those comments are immature and insensitive. Grow up!

hannah, it's amazing how judgmental you are when you can't even spell your way out of a paper bag.

Some of you seem a little unknowledgable with the assistance program. (clearing my throaght hannah) To get assistance you have to fall under the poverty level or under the $$$ requirements that the government has set up.

I am sorry you have to be poverty level or below to get assistance.. HOW many WANTS to you really think these people are getting at poverty level or below.. What a frickin joke you are. Hannah.

Some people quite seriously have no heat. Well off?? You know me do you Hannah. You seem to know everyone being you tend to judge a little to quickly .. I think Pat is right. Living with Mom and Dad are you not. There is also elderly who refuse to turn their heat up to during the winter for fear of the bill. It is very sad. A lot of scared people out there right now. There are alot of things we pay for with our taxes that we have no idea where it goes. So the Gazette posts this as informative, and Hannah jumps all over it with her holier than though attitude. Very immature.

Sounds like Hannah is more than a super snot. I was actually thinking of another word. But seriously I worked in the heating assistance office for one season and per family it does not amount to a lot.. Most of the time it only pays for a fraction of one heating bill.. So instead of thinking half their heating season is being paid for , get a clue and a life.. Would you rather they freeze to death?

Hannah what a super snot you are. super snot..Do you live in the real world or with Mommy and Daddy... We don't receive assistance of any kind , we are fortunate but our heating bills in Jan and Feb were almost 500.00 set at 65.. sometimes 60.. That is with a new furnace.. So until you walk in someone else s shoes shut your ignorant mouth.

What's going to happen next year, and the year after that? If natural gas continues to rise at 11% per year, the price will double in 6.36 years. You won't be paying $350/mo for heating, you'll be paying $700/mo. Will your paycheck increase by this much? Don't forget the "little bit extra" president Obama wants to increase federal taxes by. Don't forget the inflation that is happening because the treasury department is printing literally trillions of extra dollars. This is no joke. You should be concerned. Very concerned.