Indiana: Don't Cut Off Food Stamps for 65,000 People
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) has announced plans to cut off food stamp benefits for an estimated 65,000 people in the state who don't work 20 or more hours per week. Federal rules require able-bodied, childless persons to prove they are working or attending a job training program for at least 20 hours a week, but these requirements can be waived during periods of high economic strain.
Indiana's unemployment is still high enough to waive work requirements, but Gov. Pence is planning to cut aid to 65,000 people regardless. Similar work requirements in Kansas, New Mexico and five other states have left thousands of people scrambling to charities to meet their nutrition needs. These charities are straining to pick up the slack.
Cutting off the poorest people's access to food in times of economic strain is counterproductive and cruel. Please sign the petition to urge Gov. Pence to reconsider his decision!
We, the undersigned, are concerned with your plans to cut off food stamp benefits for an estimated 65,000 Indiana residents who don't work 20 or more hours per week. As you know, federal rules require able-bodied, childless persons to prove they are working or attending a job training program for at least 20 hours a week, but these requirements can be waived during periods of high economic strain.
Indiana's unemployment rates are still low enough to waive work requirements. Similar work requirements in Kansas, New Mexico and five other states have left thousands of people scrambling to charities to meet their nutrition needs. These charities are straining to pick up the slack.
We believe cutting off the poorest people's access to food in times of economic strain is counterproductive and cruel. We respectfully urge you to reconsider your decision on this matter. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
