FGA Applauds the Introduction of Federal Food Stamp and Medicaid Work Requirement Legislation
- BY FGA
NAPLES, FL – Today, the America Works Act of 2022 and the Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act were jointly introduced by Representatives Rodney Davis (IL) and Jake LaTurner (KS).
The America Works Act would reinstate work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents on food stamps—requirements that have been suspended since 2020—while the Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act requires all able-bodied adults without young children to work or volunteer for no less than 20 hours per week in the Medicaid program.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats created a culture of idleness and dependency, as evidenced by the 11.4 million jobs open in this country, 11 million work-ready adults that could fill those jobs, and billions of dollars in increased spending,” said Rep. Davis. “If families have any chance at keeping up with skyrocketing inflation, which is raging above 8 percent, we have to incentivize work – and that starts with requiring able-bodied SNAP and Medicaid recipients to join, or rejoin, the workforce. I’m proud to join my colleague Rep. LaTurner in introducing this legislation. With smart reforms to federal programs, we can create jobs, grow our economy, and be better stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
“The worsening labor shortage is hurting businesses across our country, and it’s vital that Congress take action to help Americans re-enter the workforce,” said Rep. LaTurner. “I am proud to join Rep. Davis in introducing legislation to encourage able-bodied adults to end their reliance on taxpayer-funded welfare programs.”
The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) applauds Representatives Davis and LaTurner for helping move able-bodied adults off the sidelines and back to work, directly addressing the worker shortage and working to tame inflation.
For years, research has shown that after work requirements are implemented, the number of people on welfare programs such as Medicaid and food stamps drops significantly. Additionally, work requirements are overwhelmingly popular with all voter groups.
FGA’s President and CEO Tarren Bragdon stated, “Americans have long understood and overwhelmingly supported work requirements in welfare programs. When implemented in the states, work requirements have been successful in moving able-bodied adults from welfare to work in record numbers. Both bills would implement a popular and proven reform that lifts individuals from dependency and empowers them through work. At a time of record-high open jobs and record-low labor force participation, there is no better time for Congress to embrace reforms that get Americans back to work.”
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The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that promotes public policy solutions to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.
