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Trump Admin’s Work Requirements Will Cut Up To 750,000 From Getting Food Stamps

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Published on: December 4, 2019

It’s about time!  Frankly, the entire food stamps program should be eliminated as no authorization was ever given to the federal government to take Americans’ money and give it away to other Americans.  It’s up to individuals to be charitable, not government.  So, just before the holidays and the impending recession, the Trump administration has advanced a USDA work requirement that would limit states’ abilities to provide residents access to food stamps under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

According to NBC News:

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Brandon Lipps, the deputy undersecretary for the USDA’s Food Nutrition and Consumer Services, spent about 18 minutes on a call with reporters outlining the changes to the rule that will take effect April 1.

“We’re taking action to reform our SNAP program in order to restore the dignity of work to a sizable segment of our population and be respectful of the taxpayers who fund the program,” Perdue said. “Americans are generous people who believe it is their responsibility to help their fellow citizens when they encounter a difficult stretch. That’s the commitment behind SNAP, but, like other welfare programs, it was never intended to be a way of life.”

The USDA rule change affects people between the ages of 18 and 49 who are childless and not disabled. Under current rules, this group is required to work at least 20 hours a week for more than three months over a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps, but states have been able to create waivers for areas that face high unemployment.

The new rule would limit states from waiving those standards, instead restricting their use to those areas that have a 6 percent unemployment rate or higher. The national unemployment rate in October was 3.6 percent.

During the call Wednesday, the USDA said that about 688,000 people would lose access to food stamps. That’s down from its earlier estimate that 750,000 people would be affected.

Government is always wrong in its estimates.  Trust me, this may impact far more than the original 750,000.  They’re just trying to soften the blow that’s coming, but needed.

Of course, some Marxists are happy to continue to give away other people’s money for people who don’t work or can’t find work.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) whined about taking away benefits from people without helping them find work.

“This Administration is out of touch with families who are struggling to make ends meet by working seasonal jobs or part time jobs with unreliable hours,” Stabenow said. “Seasonal holiday workers, workers in Northern Michigan’s tourism industry, and workers with unreliable hours like waiters and waitresses are the kinds of workers hurt by this proposal.”

Since when is it government’s job to help you find work?  When did it become their place to help you start a business or take care of your family or feed you?  It’s never been our government’s responsibility to do that.

It’s our own responsibility!

Furthermore, when people are down and out and can’t find work or they are simply unable, not unwilling, to work, that’s where we are to be charitable as individuals, not government with other people’s money.

In fact, let me say that President Donald Trump actually made this point on Tuesday during brief remarks about #GivingTuesday.  The president said:

On #GivingTuesday, we are reminded of the abundant blessings that God has placed in our lives, and we recommit to answering His call to help those in need through acts of compassion and generosity.  Together, we are able to support extraordinary and worthy causes while also enriching the lives of our fellow Americans.

The philanthropic and kindhearted spirit of the American people is uniquely woven into the fabric of our Nation.  Each day, we hear of remarkable stories of citizens rising to the occasion and assisting a neighbor in need.  From helping communities rebuild following disasters to donating time and resources to organizations that help those with special needs, the people of our great country never fail to lift up those who need a helping hand.

As you and your loved ones continue to celebrate the holiday season, I encourage you to seek opportunities this #GivingTuesday to improve the lives of others and your community.  Whether it is volunteering at a shelter that provides relief to the hungry and homeless, donating to an organization that supports the men and women of our Armed Forces, or engaging in efforts to promote childhood literacy, you can make a significant impact.

Melania joins me in thanking those who have contributed to the wellbeing of our country and our fellow Americans.  This #GivingTuesday, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the human bonds that unite us as one Nation by lifting up our neighbors and pledging our support to those in need.

This is exactly right, and notice he did not say it was government’s job to do that, but ours as individuals.  Still, he should be pushing for the full removal of SNAP and programs like it.

Tyler Durden ponders why Trump would do this going into an election year and on the precipice of a recession.

As to why President Trump wants hundreds of thousands of low-income folks off SNAP ahead of an election year while the economy is rapidly decelerating could be an administrative error that may lead to social instabilities in specific regions that will be affected the hardest. Then again, no turmoil could come out of it, and it’s hailed as a success during the election year. 

The Department of Agriculture estimates that the new measures could save the agency $1.1 billion in year one, and $7.9 billion by year five. 

Nearly 36.4 million Americans in the “greatest economy ever” are on food stamps. At least half of all Americans have low-wage jobs, barely enough to cover living expenses, nevertheless, service their credit cards with record-high interest rates

The economy as a whole is undergoing profound structural changes with automation and artificial intelligence. Tens of millions of jobs will be lost by 2030. It’s likely the collision of these forces means the welfare state is going nowhere and will only grow in size when the next recession strikes.

Cutting food stamps for low-income folks is the right move into creating a more leaner government, but there are severe social implications that could be triggered if the new measures are passed. 

And while President Trump wants to slash the welfare state for poor people, his supply-side policies and bailouts of corporate America have been record-setting in some respects. 

Actions by the administration clearly show that corporate welfare for Wall Street elites is more important than welfare for low-income folks. 

I’m against all government welfare.  Every. Single. Bit. Of. It.

Finally, Trump, despite saying the great things he said above, not only is bailing out Wall Street, but he is bailing out farmers too with your money, America.  On top of that, the Federal Reserve is involved in its own bailouts.  When did we every authorize this?  We didn’t.

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