Bill Would Impose New Restrictions For Food Stamps
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Food Stamp Bill
Many people are turning to programs that will help feed their families -- and those programs are now centered in controversy.COLUMBUS, Ohio —In the midst of the troubled economy, many people are turning to programs that will help feed their families—and those programs are now centered in controversy.
At a time where food pantries have seen an increase of 25 percent in demand, the state budget proposal isn’t giving them more money. Their funding will remain level at $8.5 million each year.
“Unfortunately, that is woefully inadequate to meet the growing demand for food for more and more Ohioans,“ said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks. “This request is both modest and humble, representing just $1 dollar, per person, per month served by foodbanks across the state of Ohio.”
The struggle to supply Ohio food pantries with basic essentials doesn’t stop just with the state budget. There’s also controversy for families in hunger and their use of food stamps.
“I was surprised, you could say shocked. Most of my constituents have never had $81,000 in savings,“ said Sen. Bob Shuler, of Sycamore Township.
Shuler from Warren County said a woman who had that much money in the bank, a nearly $300,000 home and drives a Mercedes, received food stamps.
He is now drafting a bill that would not allow a person with more than $2,000 in the bank to get the assistance.
The idea outrages hunger advocates. In the midst of an already bad economy, they said individual cases need more investigation.
Final language on the bill would be complete next week and then Shuler said he plans to introduce it to legislators.
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Reader Reactions
I agree with this story I see it here in SC all the time you can tell when its food stamp day those people will head to Wallyworld on the 7th of each month.I saw a lady who was on food stamps getting into a 2008 Hummer.I guess if you can play the system right, then we all could drive a Hummer.But then again those people who have that kind of money they could always put it into a family members name and that’s how they could get away with it.That goes back to knowing how to play the system.
i wouldn’t ask the government for anything, i’d eat human’s before i would ask for foodstamps. tell them to get a job.
Oh I agree with most of the story. $2000 is a little low unless they are looking at a revolving balance. It is funny how people who do have so much would ask for food stamps or people who are unwilling to work. I know there are people out there that have a valid need and those who can afford it should be buying some food for our local food banks.
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