"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. 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.

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:

Governor Walker's spokeswoman issued the following statement to FOX6 News:

READ IT: Statement from Rep. Mandela Barnes on FoodShare program

CLICK HERE to learn more about Wisconsin's FoodShare program.