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University of Wisconsin–Madison
Poverty-related issues in the news, from the Institute for Research on Poverty

Day: June 17, 2013

SNAP Eligibility and Enrollment – Los Angeles, CA

Nearly half of those eligible for food stamps refuse benefits, By Christina Villacorte, June 16, 2013, Los Angeles Daily News: “The food bank at Meet Each Need with Dignity in Pacoima was bustling on a recent day with people reaching for donated fruits, vegetables, juice and other goods. And yet, when a volunteer grabbed a microphone to ask the hungry crowd, ‘Who wants to apply for food stamps?’ no one raised a hand. The scene captured the dilemma of the county Department of Public Social Services, which has struggled to boost enrollment in the federal food stamp program, known locally as CalFresh. In Los Angeles County, 1.1 million low-income Americans and legal residents receive up to $200 per individual, or $668 per family of four, every month for groceries…”

Welfare Reform – Massachusetts

Massachusetts Senate leaders take wraps off bill to overhaul welfare, By Dan Ring, June 17, 2013, The Republican: “Senate President Therese Murray and other Senate leaders Monday unveiled a bill to overhaul welfare in Massachusetts, including requiring photo identifications on electronic benefit transfer cards and creation of a program to connect able-bodied applicants with jobs before they receive benefits. Murray said the welfare system is stagnant and the Senate wants to shake it up, while helping recipients…”