New Arizona Bills Threaten Food Assistance for 900,000 Residents Amid Stricter Work Requirements Debate

According to the report of HORNE, two bills introduced by Republican lawmakers in Arizona seek to change the rules for who can receive government assistance for buying food. House Bill 2502 put forward by Rep. Leo Biasiucci says that if you are between 18 and 60 years old not disabled and do have young kids you have to work or train to keep getting help. Another bill in House Bill 2503 also from Biasiucci wants to stop the state from letting some people skip the work or training requirement.

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Arizona Lawmakers Propose Controversial Bills to Alter Food Assistance Rules (PHOTO: White Mountain Independent)

Supporters of the bills say they about making sure people who can work do so and that it’s fair to ask for that in exchange for help. But some people worry about how these changes might affect those who live in rural areas or have trouble finding jobs. They say forcing people to train or work might not always help them find better jobs or earn more money especially if they already struggling with things like low wages or health issues. These bills have caused disagreements among politicians with Democrats expressing concerns about how they could affect those who are already struggling to make ends meet. Despite opposition the bills have moved forward in the legislative process passing in the House and getting approval from the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. As they continue through the system there will likely be more talks about who should get help and how to help them best.

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