Some states are already embracing deep cuts to the food stamp program similar to those passed by House Republicans in Washington, ending the food subsidy for tens of thousands of low-income Americans regardless of what Congress does.
Among the changes: Ending waivers for states that during the recession allowed as many as 4 million people to collect food stamps who otherwise would not have qualified. The waivers, part of the 1996 welfare reform, were designed to give states flexibility in times of high unemployment. It suspends a requirement that limits benefits to three months unless recipients work 20 hours a week or spend a certain amount of time on work-related activities, such as job training.
In addition, food stamp benefits for all recipients are set to fall Nov. 1 when federal stimulus money ends.
The price tag for food stamps has more than doubled, topping $82.5 billion in fiscal year 2013. Enrollment hit record highs, with 15 percent of Americans now collecting benefits.
Many states have more than 20 percent of their population enrolled.
Costs have continued to spike as well, as Washington pays for the benefits and states administer them.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/23/stateline-food-stamps/2854121/
