Did you know that a person could quite possibly go to prison for not paying their bills?
As absurd as it may sound to some, it’s absolutely true and many states are adamantly enforcing this penalty.
It’s now a reality that if an individual doesn’t pay certain bills he can be summoned to court for that infraction. If, (and that’s a strong if) the judge allows the person to make payments on their delinquent accounts rather than going to jail, the individual is still faced with insurmountable obstacles.
Think about it. Most people don’t pay their bills because they simply can’t afford to, not because they’re being defiant. If a person can’t afford to pay their bills how does a judge expect them to pay a monthly fee for the bill, a number of fees and surcharges to the courthouse, as well as a monthly payment to the private probation company who “vouches” for the individual so to avoid jail time. For some poor people, this scenario is nearly impossible, thus prolonging the inevitable – jail time.
Times are so hard, that many people don’t have enough money for basic necessities, let alone additional bills. A perfect example of this is in an article I read weeks ago that described a New Jersey man who was in court because he failed to produce proof of insurance when he was stopped for a minor traffic violation. The man actually had insurance, but he didn’t have proof with him at the time. Once in court, the judge ordered the man to pay the $180 ticket for failure to provide insurance documents. The man immediately asked the judge for jail time rather than paying the bill. The judge insisted he make a payment plan instead.
Well, the man who didn’t provide insurance documents simply didn’t have any money. He was recently unemployed, had exhausted all of his funds, and was living with a friend. He said no matter what payment plan he was given, he wouldn’t be able to pay it and would eventually end up in jail anyway.
Whether it’s for failure to pay a bill or child support – when a person is put in such constraints during an already slumping economy, it can lead to a lot of pressure, thus a “by any means necessary” way of thinking.
Data proves that during recessions, crime generally increases because people are desperate to provide for their families. Perhaps someone who has never thought of shoplifting resorts to it, simply to feed his or her child.
America has to do a better job of providing solutions and aide for the poor. With his economic stimulus package, President Barack Obama is leading the effort, but there’s still more left to do. The actions of the courts to jail people for failure to pay minor bills can be counterproductive because if people are jailed, they may lose their jobs, homes, and their ability to care for their families.
By no means am I excusing someone for not paying his or her bill, particularly – for instance a person who is capable of paying child support, but doesn’t. However, I do believe that given the current economic climate, modifications need to be made to safeguard people who are struggling financially. We have to help those who have fallen, get back on their feet as well as those who are robbing Peter to pay Paul, better deal with their financial crisis.
Speaking of financial crisis, hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons has recently encountered a lot of criticism for his RushCard. Similar to a debit card, the RushCard allows individuals who may not be able to open a bank account, the convenience of a credit card. There’s a $19.95 activation fee and the amount of the card is based on a pre-paid system.
Simmons was criticized because some viewed the RushCard as a credit card that not only had fees associated with it, but also put people in debt.
Simmons disagrees and defends his business venture.
“RushCard helps struggling Americans who find themselves without access to bank accounts or credit. They have to tackle difficult and expensive obstacles every day when they need to pay their bills. When they go to a check cashing place they are forced to pay a huge fee just to get their money and pay fees – typically, 10 percent of their paycheck goes to these fees and they spend 8 to 10 hours a week to go pay bills in person. They cannot pay bills without standing in line, and it’s difficult for them to rent a car or shop online. This separates them from part of the American Dream that other Americans are free to enjoy.”
It’s unfortunate that when a person as accomplished and wealthy as Russell Simmons tries to help the less fortunate, media and select African-Americans try to publicly tear him down. I commend Simmons for his efforts and challenge more celebrities to be as socially responsible.
