State and local agencies that distributed federal aid to renters facing eviction during the pandemic are now scrambling to claw back millions of dollars in overpayments.

Officials in at least five states have been sending tenants and landlords a flurry of letters, typically citing clerical errors or other bureaucratic mix-ups, demanding that portions of the temporary relief money be returned. Some of the notices ask for five-figure sums within weeks.

  • fiat_lux
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    738 months ago

    American government to businesses after loaning them money during covid: Oh, don’t worry about paying it back even though you just bought new cars with it instead of anything you were supposed to do with it, we forgive you.

    America government to vulnerable people after overpaying them: WHERE’S THE MONEY, LEBOWSKI?!

  • @Astroturfed
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    598 months ago

    It’s almost like we don’t have enough funding and employees for the government to operate properly. Like maybe we should tax the rich at the rates we did 50 years ago and have a well run society.

    • Dark Arc
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      58 months ago

      I agree with you but also this was all done in a pretty exceptional circumstance and volume… even a “staffed up” govt would’ve struggled.

    • @JustAManOnAToiletOP
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      -158 months ago

      As far as the bureaucratic stuff I’d hope AI could take care of the vast majority in the near future. I mean, it clearly can’t be any less efficient.

      • @Astroturfed
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        238 months ago

        Yes, replace all the workers with AI. I’m sure if we just do that everywhere surely the wealthy folks will let us live in amazing ghettos. Totally a better idea than just having people pay appropriate taxes.

        • @[email protected]
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          28 months ago

          Don’t be silly. We first take all their money to fund this AI. Then behead them if they complain and ask for it back.

        • @[email protected]
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          18 months ago

          I mean, if the work is getting done then we should all be benefiting from it.

          The point of work is to be productive, not to make money.

          Sorry people like you don’t understand that.

      • Kichae
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        88 months ago

        Man, do I have some bridges to sell you.

  • Maeve
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    138 months ago

    Ask corporations and billionaires to pay their fair share and use half a percent of that.