http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/...lfare-20110518
Michigan lottery winner still on welfare
Updated: Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 8:08 AM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 8:08 AM EDT
AUBURN, M.I. (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - A Michigan man's fantasy became a reality when he hit a big lottery pay day, but the new millionaire isn't giving up his welfare check.
Leroy Fick was on public assistance when he took home a two-million dollar prize last June.
Food stamps are a federal program and are based on a person's gross income.
Lottery winnings are considered liquid assets and don't count as income and Leroy says he doesn't feel bad about being rich and staying on welfare.
Fick says his pay day isn't all that great, saying the IRS took more than half of his winnings.
Still, many who need public assistance say he is mocking them and the system.