Panhandlers React To Anti-Panhandling Law

The city of Rogers is looking at passing a law allowing panhandlers to be fined for requesting hand outs alongside roads in the city. City officials say its a dangerous way to make a living and imposing fines on panhandlers could take some of that danger off the roads. KNWA wanted to know how actual panhandlers felt about the proposed law, and maybe not surprisingly, neither of the two located in Rogers on Thursday knew about the issue. We spoke with a man named Jerry who says hes often at the corner of I-540 and Walnut asking for hand outs, but its not because he doesnt want to work. He tells us he finds work, but the jobs he finds only last so long. Once the work ends, so does Jerrys cash flow and thats when he turns to panhandling to fill the gaps in employment. Jerry tells KNWA that if the anti-panhandling law goes into effect, he wont be able to move elsewhere....so hell take his chances with receiving a fine. The Rogers city council tabled a vote on the issue on Tuesday.