so, what i want is a way out of the market, but the government wants to force us all into market relations, whether we like it or not. i'm worried that the new policy is a signal that they're shutting things down regarding subsidized housing, and then what?

frankly, despite my complaining, where i am is probably better than almost anywhere. i have to be crystal clear: i'm not going to find an apartment building in this city that enforces any kind of non-smoking rule, outside of the city-owned buildings. it's really the only answer...

but, how much cash do i actually have to play with, and maintain something roughly the same?

the language is a little blurry, but i'm good at math, and if i understand correctly then i can tap the system out at about $800. however, it would be very useful if they would publish "average rent" and it would be equally foolish for me to make any kind of choice until i see it.

but, if i have the data right, i can claim up to $800, which would give me $680 a month left after rent. i currently have $419 left after rent. so, that's an extra $261.

in fact, if i could spend the money on anything, i'd spend it on rent! so, that would have the functional effect of boosting my maximum rent amount from $750 to $1000.

i know, you're thinking - this is supposed to put more money in my pocket, to buy more things. but, what i want to buy, first and foremost, is smoke-free housing, and i can't do that with $750 on the free market. i would need a government to come in and set the rules. sorry.

and, what are people most likely to spend that $250 on? the reality is that they're going to spend it on cigarettes and marijuana, thereby making the second-hand smoke problem in market housing even worse.

with an extra $250, though, i could potentially put myself in a better situation to find something that's.....well, something that's very similar to what i have right now. except maybe better?

i'm going to send something to my landlord.