New report finds that House Farm Bill would end state waiver abuse
- BY FGA
Naples, FL — A new paper, published by the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA), found that the commonsense reforms in the House Farm Bill would close waiver loopholes and reduce the number of work-exempt able-bodied adults without dependents by 87 percent.
Despite able-bodied adults being required to work, train, or volunteer on a part-time basis in order to receive food stamps, more than 62 percent of able-bodied, childless adults are exempt from these requirements. States have exploited federal loopholes to exempt as many able-bodied adults as possible from these commonsense work requirements, despite their proven success in doubling incomes and shortening time spent on welfare.
The report, authored by FGA’s Vice President of Research Jonathan Ingram and Research Director Nic Horton, found that the 2018 House Farm Bill would rein in these waivers by closing loopholes and eliminating state abuses. By ending state abuses, the Farm Bill would reduce the number of able-bodied adults without dependents who are exempt from commonsense work requirements by 87 percent.
“Despite work being the most effective tool to reduce dependency, states have gamed the system to keep millions of able-bodied, childless adults dependent on food stamps. The House Farm Bill would end that abuse, ensuring that resources are preserved for the truly needy and helping millions of able-bodied adults escape dependency,” said Ingram.
The full report can be viewed here.
The Foundation for Government Accountability is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that specializes in health care, welfare, and work reform. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.
