State Senate passes bill to tighten requirements for food stamp recipients [View all]

CONCORD — A bill to toughen up requirements for food stamps in New Hampshire cleared the Senate Thursday on a 14-9 party line vote, after it was amended to soften the impact on food stamp recipients with dependent children.

Senate Bill 7, as originally proposed, would have made it impossible for families to get waivers from federal work requirements, income limits and asset tests when applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Under an amendment to the bill, the Department of Health Human Services would be authorized to approve waivers to the rules for families with children, but only with the prior approval of the joint House and Senate Health and Human Services Oversight Committee.

Sen. Kevin Avard, R-Nashua, said the changes were necessary to slow the growth of the food stamp program and preserve benefits for those truly in need.

Read more: http://www.unionleader.com/state-government/State-Senate-passes-bill-to-tighten-requirements-for-food-stamp-recipients-03172017