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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 8, 2017 04:11 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mike Tobash |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Work Requirements for SNAP |
Back in the 1990s, our nation experienced a welfare reform shake up that ignited the concept of requiring welfare recipients who were able-bodied adults without dependents (ABWADs) to work. Under the federal law, the ABAWD is limited to three months of food stamps benefits in a 36-month period. After the three months, the recipient is required to work. States do have the ability to waive the work rule and in 2009 there was a blanket waiver of the work requirement granted to all states. Since then the blanket waiver has been removed but some states, including Pennsylvania, continue to request waivers for the work rule. I believe the Commonwealth should help those in need, but welfare should not be considered a simple hand-out for the taking. Those who are able to work should be required to work or prepare for work in exchange for taxpayer paid assistance. It is only fair for taxpayers that those who are able to help themselves do so. In order to move Pennsylvania back to the principles of requiring ABWADs to work for their welfare benefits, I will be introducing legislation that prohibits the department from applying for waivers of the work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. As a condition for SNAP benefits, recipients will be required to work, perform community service, participate in a work program or be enrolled as a full-time student. This requirement will be in place for ABAWDs and will not apply to single parents with custody of a child under the age of twelve. Please join me in cosponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB1659