Claim: A congressman's Web video goes too far when it portrays a program that subsidizes cell phone service for very low-income persons as a government giveaway that is costing taxpayers billions. The video also misleadingly claims Arkansas Rep. Tim Griffin is "reforming" the program. His proposed legislation — the "Stop Taxpayer-Funded Cell Phones Act of 2011" — actually would eliminate the cell phone subsidy. Griffin's video focuses on Lifeline, a federally mandated program that reimburses phone companies with a monthly subsidy of $9.25 for each low-income customer who uses a landline or a cell phone.
Fact-check: Congressman's Slippery Cell Phone Claim  - FactCheck.org
Verdict: a congressman's web video goes too far when it portrays a program that subsidizes cell phone service for very low-income persons as a government giveaway that is costing taxpayers billions. the video also misleadingly claims arkansas rep. tim griffin is "reforming" the program. his proposed legislation — the "stop taxpayer-funded cell phones act of 2011" — actually would eliminate the cell phone subsidy. griffin's video focuses on lifeline, a federally mandated program that reimburses phone companies with a monthly subsidy of $9.25 for each low-income customer who uses a landline or a cell phone.
Organisation: FactCheck.org
Author: Ben Finley
Date published: 2012-05-22T14:51:25