State Representative Kim LaSata has introduced legislation designed to crack down on the abuse of Michigan’s food stamp program. LaSata tells WSJM News there are still waivers in place for some food stamp recipients to avoid work requirements.
“During the Obama administration, President Obama allowed waivers to states for individuals who were not getting jobs,” LaSata said. The big reason was that there were not a lot of jobs.”
LaSata tells us her bill would now require able-bodied adults who get food assistance to find some kind of work.
“The hope is to empower people to be able to be dependent on themselves, and not dependent on the state and wanting to strive for more,” LaSata said.
LaSata said it’s time to require able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 without children to work for at least 20 hours a week to maintain eligibility for benefits. Michigan is one of only eight states that do not have a statewide work requirement. Her bill has been introduced to the Michigan House Appropriations Committee.
