 |
 |
| |||||
Clinton expands food stamp eligibility
July 14, 1999 WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, July 14) -- Using his executive powers, President Bill Clinton took steps Wednesday to give low-income families more access to food stamps and to promote "work over welfare." Announcing the measures in a speech Wednesday in Baltimore before the Democratic Leadership Council, Clinton said there still is "work to do to make sure that work pays. We are changing the rules so thousands of poor working families won't be denied food stamps, as they are today, just because they own a reliable car." The measure is intended to allow states to make it easier for working families to still own a car and receive food stamps. Under current laws, working families receiving federal aid lose their food stamp eligibility if the value of their car exceeds $4,650. The new order would allow states to conduct more generous asset tests, the White House said. In addition, the order will simplify food stamp reporting laws, allowing working families to report expected earnings every quarter instead of every month. The president is also expected to announce a nationwide public education campaign and a toll-free hot line providing information on who is eligible for food stamps. The national campaign is designed to "make sure that working people know there is no indignity in taking public assistance to help feed their children if they're out there working 40 hours a week," Clinton said.The Clinton administration says that only 40 percent of U.S. families eligible for food stamps actually apply and receive the aid. Fueled by a strong economy and strict new work requirements, welfare rolls have dropped from more than 5 million families in 1994 to just 2.7 million by the end of 1998. However, some studies show that many of the families still have trouble paying for food and other household bills. Only two of five working families eligible for food stamps actually apply for assistance and receive it, the White House said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. |
|
| ||||
MORE STORIES:Wednesday, July 14, 1999
• First Lady's sworn statement denies 'Filegate' involvement • House expected to give itself pay raise • Forbes to launch second wave of presidential ad campaign • Republican leaders push president again for 'lock box' • Kasich drops out of GOP race • Gore sticks to issues, gets some help from boss • Gender equity legislation introduced on Capitol Hill • Bush's communications chief leaves campaign • Clinton expands food stamp eligibility • Minnesota Gov. Ventura will referee pro wrestling match • Public TV station gave list of donors to the Democrats • Poll: Giuliani moves ahead of Hillary Clinton • Reagan doctor says former president still declining • Bush defends old campaign literature touting active-duty service • House debates spending bill after reviving parks program • Bill would require adoption talk in clinics • First Lady's sworn statement denies 'Filegate' involvement | ||||||