I am very pleased with the decision by the state government to cut down on the abuse of bridge cards. There is no need to qualify for government supported food programs simply because you are a college student. There are students, even friends of mine, who use bridge cards for food, but who also are full time students, work part time jobs, and have the money for their nice cars, to go out of the weekends, and afford items that are not considered to be necessities. This is taking money away from those who truly need it. These people who TRULY need it will be the ones who will qualify for the program even with the new requirements. Given the economic state of Michigan, I support this cut in government spending within a program that is being abused by college students who feel they are “entitled” to get government food just because they are spending so much on education and paying off loans to begin with. There are plenty of on-campus employment opportunities, and students need to take advantage of the opportunity to work. I am a college student too, working part time as well as going to class full time, yet I do not feel that I am “owed” this program by the government simply because of my decision to attend college. I am happy that our new governor is taking drastic measures to make budget cuts in order to try and bring our excessive spending under control.

Stephanie Rupinski

GVSU student