QUOTES: Residents Speak Out About Rice County Social Services

Residents came out en masse on Tuesday to speak out against the current backlog in the Rice County Social Services department.

During the board of commissioners' work session, nearly 20 people spoke during the public comment period about the country's struggle to provide food and health benefits to residents.

Some residents have reported waiting as long as five months to receive benefits.

Below are some of the comments made by those who stepped up to the podium. Look for a full story tomorrow on Northfield Patch.

“I really think the caseworkers at Rice County really care about their clients."

“What’s critical is how we respond to the needs of people with the resources we have."

“As we look over our current system, it’s obvious it’s not working well."

“We don’t have any money. We don’t have any food. That’s kind of hard to tell somebody.”

“I rely on benefits from the county of Rice.”

“I was also told I’d have to wait in line.”

“I filed three income reports before I got a response five and a half months later.”

“I have given food from my home to people in the community.”

“We can afford his meals. But his friends cannot.”

“What do you do when they can’t afford anything.”

“Please set standards.”

“Throwing more money at the social services will not solve the problems people with disabilities face.”

“The present system is broken. Money alone will not fix it.”

“Hungry children can’t learn.”

“People struggling with illness need consistent and reliable treatment.”

“Please invest also in long-term solutions that will make our county stronger, healthier and more prosperous.”

“No one in this room hasn’t gotten through life without help.”

“She was not a person coming and looking for a handout.”

“We as a community certainly cannot afford to reduce any kind of spending power.”

“You have a tough job. I respect that.”

“Investing in our fellow human beings … builds safer, stronger, healthier communities.”

“Are we prepared for the next surge?”

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