MI State Legislature could set 48-month (lifetime) limit on welfare

[The Straight Story]

State Legislature could set 48-month limit on welfare
By Marina Csomor | Originally Published: 16 hours ago |Modified: 16 hours ago | No comments

Welfare-limiting legislation approved by the state Legislature last week has some worried the safety net currently in place to protect Michigan residents — including people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, children and recent college graduates — no longer will be there to catch them when their income falls.

On Wednesday, the state Senate passed a bill, sponsored by state Rep. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, that would put a 48-month lifetime limit on welfare. Four-year welfare recipients could lose cash assistance as soon as Oct. 1, when this bill would take effect.

This legislation, which was approved in the state House on May 12, would ensure Michigan residents are working, receiving job training or going to college, Horn said.

“(It is) important for people to transfer from welfare into work,” he said. “People who are given jobs or trained have every expectation of coming off (of welfare).”

http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2011/07/state_legislature_could_set_48month_limit_on_welfare

[kiranon]

1. What's next? Bus tickets for paraplegics to another state where they

can get help? Many people have problems/disabilities/children/spouse/parent who need help and they do not become self supporting in 48 months, if ever. Will Michigan abandon them all to the streets? What about "There but for the grace of God, go I." As between a bus ticket for a paraplegic and raising taxes, the choice one makes separates those who have a heart from those who don't and, increasingly, separates those who are Republicans from those who are Democrats.