Lawmaker applauds effort to help residents become self-sufficient
The Michigan House recently approved legislation continuing a 48-month limit on welfare benefits for able-bodied adults.
House Bills 4409 and 4410 limit assistance to able-bodied individuals to 48 months, provides penalties for not meeting work and education requirements, and ensures illegal immigrants do not receive benefits.
“Changing our welfare system from a hand out to a hand up is part of the ‘real change’ I was hoping to be a part of when I ran for office,” said Peter MacGregor, R-Rockford. “By passing these reforms, we’re providing the limited assistance they may need to become financially self-sufficient, while protecting our limited resources for those who truly need them.”
Senior citizens, pregnant mothers, domestic violence victims, adults who are physically or mentally incapacitated, and adults with a disabled child at home from the time limit are exempt from the reforms.
The legislation also would also allow welfare recipients to work 11 hours more per week, earning up to an additional $4,000 per year.
Comments by our Readers