"Opportunity is not there:" Milwaukee Democrat says changes to FoodShare program aren't working
MILWAUKEE -- Rep. Mandela Barnes (D-Milwaukee) says 2,700 Milwaukee residents are losing FoodShare (food stamp) benefits each month. He says that's a result of changes to the program that took effect in April. But supporters say the changes help to crack down on fraud.
The new rules require able-bodied, childless adults to work at least 80 hours a month or participate in a job-seeking program.
Rep. Mandela Barnes
Rep. Barnes says a state program folks can be referred to in order to help them find work has a success rate of just 7%.
"The opportunity is not there," Rep. Barnes said.
Rep. Barnes says new statistics released about the state's FoodShare program paint a grim picture in Milwaukee.
"We`re in the holiday season and unfortunately, we`ve seen over half of the people who receive their FoodShare benefits get cut off," Rep. Barnes said.
FoodShare
Barnes says the work requirement rule that impacted the FoodShare program in April hasn't been successful. He says only 7% in Milwaukee have found employment to keep their benefits, and 2,700 per month are being kicked out of the program.
Barnes says many in Milwaukee simply cannot find jobs.
"We`re experiencing a lot of collateral damage -- a lot of people who have done nothing wrong except live in a place where the job opportunities are limited," Barnes said.
Barnes is calling on Governor Scott Walker to waive time limits for the FoodShare program. Currently, those who don't meet the requirements only get three months of benefits in a three-year period.
Supporters of the measures argue it not only cuts down on fraud -- but it also gets people to be less reliant on the government.
In a statement about the FoodShare program on his website, Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) says:
"We hear about the abuse and misuse within these programs frequently. It is important we make every effort to ensure benefits are allocated properly and serve their intended purpose of helping people in true times of need."
Governor Walker's spokeswoman issued the following statement to FOX6 News:
"The entitlement reforms implemented in the 2013-15 budget included reforms to Wisconsin’s FoodShare program to help childless adults transition into the workforce. This is part of our continued focus on moving people from government dependence to true independence and ensuring they are workforce ready. No one will be kicked off the FoodShare program if they are actively participating in the FoodShare Employment and Training program or meeting the work requirement.
We encourage participation in the FoodShare Employment and Training Program as it helps increase opportunities for education, vocational training and active engagement in the workforce. Governor Walker has invested over $50 million combined in his last two budgets to support FSET and these training efforts."
READ IT: Statement from Rep. Mandela Barnes on FoodShare program
CLICK HERE to learn more about Wisconsin's FoodShare program.
