Food Support eligibility plan on hold
By Lauren Radomski
.jpg)
More Minnesotans would be eligible for the federal Food Support program, under a bill laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.
Rep. Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault) sponsors
HF453, which would eliminate a $7,000 asset limit on households eligible for the program, formerly known as food stamps. Under the bill, households would need to make less than about $30,000 annually to receive benefits; their assets would not count against their eligibility. While Food Support is a federally-funded program, states have the ability to restrict access.
Speaking to the House Health Care and Human Services Finance Division Feb. 16, Fritz said the bill is targeted, in part, toward out-of-work, middle-class Minnesotans who need assistance as they try to get back on their feet. Only 60 percent of state residents who are eligible for the program are actually enrolled, she said, in part because of the stigma associated with public assistance.
Asset limits for Food Support are inconsistent with the Minnesota values of hard work and self-reliance, said Alexandra Fitzsimmons, policy director for the Minnesota Catholic Conference. Those limits punish families trying to maintain or achieve economic independence by building up their savings.
“Forcing individuals to spend down long-term savings to qualify for short-term assistance leaves individuals and families more vulnerable in the future,” Fitzsimmons said.
Some division members said they were concerned about the lack of any asset limit, prompting a heated discussion on how to ensure benefits go to people who need them most. Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague) questioned whether dropping asset limits indefinitely would be sustainable.
“It is not compassionate to make promises that a government knows it can’t keep,” Brod said.
“The point is we all care about people in need,” said Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud). “The question here is, ‘What are we doing with a government program?’”
A companion,
SF481, sponsored by Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls), awaits action by the Senate Finance Committee.
Session Weekly More...
Related Stories
HHS bill is DOA but hoping for CPR
Supporters cite gaining federal funds, governor concerned about spending
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
House passes HHS budget bill
Members reluctantly vote for cuts; governor says bill is too costly
(view full story)
Published 5/6/2010
Not cutting as deep
Although painful now, omnibus HHS budget bill could set stage for reform
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Revisiting GAMC
Program participation questionable, hospitals favor earlier federal reform
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
A distress call for SOS?
State Operated Services plans programmatic redesign, amidst criticism
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Minnesota Index: Health coverage
Figures and statistics on health coverage and other vitals
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Inking a deal for donors
State oversight of body arts could reduce donor deferrals
(view full story)
Published 4/15/2010
Nursing a level playing field
Sides differ on who should pay for nursing home costs
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2010
Saying ‘sorry’
House resolution would apologize for practices done decades ago
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2010
And the cupboard is bare
More Minnesotans struggle to put food on the table
(view full story)
Published 2/25/2010
Future of GAMC uncertain
Legislators consider health care for state’s poor, sick
(view full story)
Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Health care law quagmire
Sustainability at issue in law line-item vetoed by governor
(view full story)
Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: More compromise, more reductions
Cuts in health and human services finance bill called ‘painful’
(view full story)
Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Cuts hang in the balance
Much depends on tax increases
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Providing ‘pretty darn good coverage’
A new approach to public health could save millions in benefits, advocates say
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
First Reading: Complex problem, complex solution
Cuts to health and human services could create reform opportunity
(view full story)
Published 4/3/2009
Minnesota Index: Health boards
Figures and statistics on health licensing board in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/13/2009
At Issue: Medical marijuana
Controversial treatment clears first committee hurdle
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009
Minnesota Index: Less lighting up
Figures and statistics on smoking in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009