osoab
16th July 2011, 05:24 PM
Michigan Senate votes to limit welfare benefits (http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110713/FREE/110719953?template=mobile)
July 13, 2011 10:50 PM
LANSING (AP) — A four-year limit for families receiving welfare benefits was passed today by the Michigan Senate.
The measure passed 24-12 with Democrats voting as a bloc to oppose it, according to The Detroit News.
The state House already had approved welfare-limits legislation and will have to agree to changes made in the Senate. The measure then goes to Republican Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature before becoming law.
Critics say the limits would boot some needy families off public assistance.
It will result in families "losing much-needed assistance in the worst economic downturn in years," said Sen. Vincent Gregory, a Democrat from Southfield. "We should be lifting up our families and encouraging them to self-sufficiency. Ninety percent of these families are working poor, often trying to support children and just barely getting by. We are pushing these families to homelessness."
About 12,600 families would be removed from welfare rolls by Oct. 1, saving the state more than $77 million. The legislation reflects welfare limits approved this year as part of the state budget plan.
Michigan's current law has a similar time limit, but it has more exceptions than the revised plan. The current law is due to expire in late September.
So get clear of Michigan by about October 10?
July 13, 2011 10:50 PM
LANSING (AP) — A four-year limit for families receiving welfare benefits was passed today by the Michigan Senate.
The measure passed 24-12 with Democrats voting as a bloc to oppose it, according to The Detroit News.
The state House already had approved welfare-limits legislation and will have to agree to changes made in the Senate. The measure then goes to Republican Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature before becoming law.
Critics say the limits would boot some needy families off public assistance.
It will result in families "losing much-needed assistance in the worst economic downturn in years," said Sen. Vincent Gregory, a Democrat from Southfield. "We should be lifting up our families and encouraging them to self-sufficiency. Ninety percent of these families are working poor, often trying to support children and just barely getting by. We are pushing these families to homelessness."
About 12,600 families would be removed from welfare rolls by Oct. 1, saving the state more than $77 million. The legislation reflects welfare limits approved this year as part of the state budget plan.
Michigan's current law has a similar time limit, but it has more exceptions than the revised plan. The current law is due to expire in late September.
So get clear of Michigan by about October 10?