While most people have played the “if I had a million dollars I would ____ †thought game, few fill that blank in with “stay on public assistance.â€
Amanda Clayton, a 24-year-old from Lincoln Park, Michigan, is one of the few who does, and she is getting away with it. Clayton won $1 million from the Michigan State Lottery this fall, but she is still collecting and using $200 a month in food assistance from the taxpayers with her Michigan Bridge Card.
“I thought that they would cut me off, but since they didn't, I thought maybe it was okay because I'm not working,†the lottery winner who just purchased a new house and car told Local 4 in Detroit. The station even filmed her shamelessly purchasing goods.
When Local 4 asked if she felt she had a right to the money, Clayton responded, “I mean I kinda do.â€
Clayton justified the sentiment by explaining that after taking her winnings in a lump sum and having to pay taxes, the total amount was just over half of the initial winnings.
“I feel that it's okay because I mean, I have no income and I have bills to pay,†she said. “I have two houses.â€
Watch Local 4 confront Clayton:
A bill to prevent this type of behavior, sponsored by state Republican Rep. Dale Zorn has passed the state House, as has a companion bill in the state Senate.
“Public assistance should be given to those who are in need of public assistance, not those who have found riches,†said Zorn, who has sponsored a bill requiring the state to cross-check the names of lottery winners of prizes over $1,000 with names of individuals on the dole.
Until Clayton is cut off, however, she says she intends to continue to use her benefits.
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