panhandling

A video clip of a New Orleans panhandler has re-opened a timeless debate.

Soon you may be seeing less people on street corners holding up signs that say, "Need Money. Please Help."  Bossier City is considering an ordinance that will bar panhandling on a number of busy streets.  The problem is especially pronounced on Airline Drive and Beene Boulevard where pedestrians actually take turns in shifts begging for money...

We've all been approached in a parking lot before by someone claiming that they had fallen on hard times and needed a few bucks. Maybe they needed gas for the car or a couple bucks to catch the bus. Sometimes you cough up a few bucks. But don't you always wonder if the person was telling the truth or not?

Louisiana lawmakers want to make it illegal for the homeless to ask people for money. Late last month, the Louisiana legislature passed a bill that would make it a misdemeanor offense for individuals to panhandle. The measure was approved by a unanimous vote in the House and has moved on to the Senate.