La. House Seeks Decision-making In Work Mandate For Food Stamps

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Lawmakers in the Louisiana  House want more of a say in whether food stamp recipients should have to work to get the federal assistance.

The House voted 56-28 Thursday for a proposal by Rep. Jay Morris, a Monroe Republican, that would require legislative approval to seek a federal waiver of the work requirements for able-bodied, childless adults who receive food stamps.

Supporters of Morris' bill say they want to encourage people to work and use food stamps as short-term assistance. Opponents say work requirements could strip needed food aid from struggling people.

Gov. John Bel Edwards kept the work requirements from taking effect earlier this year, saying he first wants to bolster job training services before the requirements begin.

Morris' bill goes to the Senate.

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House Bill 594: www.legis.la.gov

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