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Some conservatives, meanwhile, have emphasized that a big chunk of the increase is due to policy changes by Washington. In 2008, Congress allowed states to relax their standards for who could join the program. (Jobless adults could stay in the program if they lived in high-unemployment areas, for instance.) Then, as part of the 2009 stimulus bill, Congress temporarily boosted food-stamp benefits — the average benefit was $133 per month last year, although that increase expires this November.
So which explanation is right? Most evidence suggests that food-stamp enrollment has mainly risen due to the recession — although policy changes have played a smaller role:
Total number of Americans on welfare 12,800,000
Total government spending on welfare annually (not including food stamps or unemployment) $131.9 billion
National 10,351,000 -490,000 -1,922,000
Ms. Woods’s current job has not been meeting her needs. When she began driving a passenger van last year, she earned $9 an hour and worked 40 hours a week. Then her wage was cut to $8 an hour, and her hours were drastically scaled back. Last month she earned just $233. So Ms. Woods, who said that she had been threatened with eviction for missing rent payments and had been postponing an appointment with the eye doctor because she lacks insurance, has been looking for another, better job. It has not been easy.
On Wednesday, the 2013 Senate Farm Bill was amended to make those convicted of certain violent crimes ineligible for SNAP (Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, popularly known as food stamps. The amendment was passed by unanimous consent, meaning that neither Republicans nor Democrats objected to the bill.
onequestion
Cant stand the attitudes of the people who think its just hard work because hard work doesnt get you anywhere these days its all about nepotism and who you know. Its really that simple and if you dont see it that way its probably because your blind to the people who have actually helped you out.
I can't stand the attitude people like you have toward people who think hard work is not a bad thing. And where do you get off thinking you know people? I got my good job by filling out the proper paperwork and having a great work ethics.
onequestion
You think you work harder then me? Your kidding yourself. Yes i made mistakes but you better believe i dont deserve to lose my entire life over it.
Maybe you shouldn't have gotten in trouble.
onequestion
reply to post by thesaneone
I am not asking for fairness im asking for opportunity.
Its not about equality its about creating conditions that allow for opportunity. Thats what we need.
macman
reply to post by onequestion
You can't use it as an excuse to your current circumstances.
onequestion
reply to post by thesaneone
I am not asking for fairness im asking for opportunity.
Its not about equality its about creating conditions that allow for opportunity. Thats what we need.
onequestion
Cant stand the attitudes of the people who think its just hard work because hard work doesnt get you anywhere these days its all about nepotism and who you know. Its really that simple and if you dont see it that way its probably because your blind to the people who have actually helped you out.
Its about time we start banding together and demanding change on an immediate and relevant scale before its too late