ATLANTA (March 7, 2012) – The Georgia Senate passed SB 312 today by a vote of 40 to 14. Sponsored by Sen. William Ligon (R-Brunswick), this legislation would require food stamp recipients to pursue personal or professional development to retain welfare eligibility.
“I am pleased by the passage of SB 312 in the Senate today,” said Sen. Ligon. “The goal of this bill is simple – to lessen the public’s dependency on government entitlement programs while also encouraging a greater measure of self-sufficiency and personal accountability.”
Under current federal law, recipients of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are required to meet certain work activity requirements. Individual states are provided with the option to impose certain personal growth requirements such as career training programs or personal enrichment courses.
This legislation would require recipients of TANF to work toward a general educational development diploma (GED), pursue technical education, attend self-development classes, enroll in an adult literacy classes, or pursue other similar personal growth activities.
The following food stamp applicants would not be subject to professional development requirements:
- Persons under the age of 16 or over the age of 59.
- Those who are developmentally disabled or mentally or physically unfit for employment.
- Primary caretakers of a dependent child under age 12 or of an incapacitated adult.
- Individuals employed at least 30 hours a week.
- Persons participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
- Students enrolled at least half time.
- Persons who receive unemployment insurance.
“It should always be a goal of government to lessen dependency on public entitlement programs and decrease the burden of unessential programs on tax payers. During challenging economic times, we must rebuild our state and our economy by encouraging citizens to seek the tools necessary to empower themselves through personal enrichment and professional growth,” said President Pro Tempore Tommie William (R-Lyons).
If enacted, this legislation would require the Department of Human Services to develop a pilot program to test these provisions in five counties prior to state-wide implementation.
SB 312 will now travel to the House of Representatives for a vote.
RELEASE
March 7, 2012
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Shawna Mercer,Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028