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Committee Approves Work Rules for Food Benefits

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The Legislature's budget committee has concurred with Gov. Walker, to require able-bodied adults to either work or attend job training sessions, in order to receive food share benefits.

The requirement would pertain to adults with no children and with incomes up to 200% of the poverty level (approx. $23,000 per individual), and demand 20 hours per week of working or training.

Those who don't meet the requirement, could only receive food 'stamps' for three months every three years.

Supporters of the plan, all 12 Republicans on the committee, say the change will encourage self-sufficiency, and that federal law includes a work requirement but most states waive it.

Opponents, the four Democrats on the panel, call the proposal a mean-spirited attack on poor people.

A state review estimates half the adults the rule would impact, about 31,000 people, would not meet it.