The proposed Federal Farm bill contains work requirements for able-bodied 18 to 59-year-olds who receive SNAP benefits. A beneficiary would have to work or enrolled in a work training program at least 20 hours a week. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham says the requirement will filter out persons who choose to take advantage of the welfare system.
Abraham says, "If they want to be recipients of the SNAP program, they're going to have to get in the game and do what we ask them to do."
Exemptions would be given to caretakers with children under six-years-old, pregnant women and those mentally or physically disabled. Abraham says the work requirement is not intended to harm individuals, the goal is to help break the cycle of poverty and help people climb the economic ladder.
Abraham says, "We will help them meet those goals. Our goal on the federal level level is to provide a ramp tp employment."
Abraham realizes there are some who can’t find work. He hopes this bill will provide recipients with the tools they need to become productive citizens in their communities.
Abraham says, "I look at it as an opportunity to improve their lifestyle."
The Democratic National Committee is against the bill, saying Republicans are imposing unproven requirements limiting access to SNAP, forcing over five-million food-stamp recipients to stricter work requirements.