Food stamp recipients in the state of Indiana will reportedly be forced to fulfill yet another requirement in order to continue receiving benefits. According to Breitbart , the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced its intent to enforce stricter work requirements for recipients of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Starting in the spring of 2015, new applicants without children will be required to work a minimum of 20 hours a week to qualify for food stamps, reports Fox 59 .
“Any able-bodied Indiana adult without children will need to be working at least 20 hours a week, be in job training, or searching for employment in order to qualify.” Although the changes aren’t exactly drastic, the state still projects the new mandate will result in as many as 65,000 recipients being cut off.
“Indiana will eliminate exemptions that require food stamp recipients look for work, a rules change that could see up to 65,000 food stamp recipients trimmed from the roles.”
Most states waived the work requirement back in 2008 due to the economical downfall and financial crisis. However, the state of Indiana has made it clear that it will no longer do so. The decision has caused quite a controversy because some are worried that they’ll be unable to meet the work requirement.
Although unemployment in the state of Indiana is at 5.7 percent, which is below the national average, some have expressed that securing a job may not be an easy feat, reports the Examiner . But, that’s not all. Many have also accused Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) of targeting poor people.
However, Gov. Pence is adamantly supporting the new mandate. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, he spoke with Fox News about the allegations and his perspective of the state’s decision.
“I’m someone that believes there’s nothing more enabling to a person than a job. And to make sure that able-bodied adults without dependents at home know that here in the state of Indiana, we want to partner with them in their success.”
“You know, it’s the old story,” he continued. “Give someone a fish, and they’ll eat for a day. Teach them to fish, they’ll eat for a lifetime. I think this is an idea whose time has come here in the state of Indiana.”
Do you agree with Gov. Pence and the new policy being put in place for food stamp recipients? Share your thoughts.
[Image via Bing]
