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Senators Take Another Shot at Toughening SNAP Requirements

Food stamp recipients in Missouri would have to work at least 30 hours per week or risk losing their benefits under a proposed Senate bill in the Missouri legislature.

“The ticket out of poverty is work. And that’s what this bill is all about,” said the Senate Bill 4’s sponsor, state Sen. David Sater, R-Cassville.

Able-bodied adults would be required to spend the 30 hours each week working, in job training or doing community service. Under the proposed bill, the first time a person fails to meet the standards they will lose benefits for three months. The second time, six months, and if they fail to comply a third time, they will be permanently disqualified from the food stamp program. 


“Some people just need to be motivated to get a job,” said Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester.

Last year, an identical bill passed the House but was stopped in the Senate.

To read more, visit our partners at columbiamissourian.com