Signed by Governor Rick Snyder

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the Social Welfare Act, limiting the number of months families are eligible to collect financial assistance.

Highlights:

• Establishes a 48-month lifetime cumulative total for collecting Family Independence Program assistance (Sec. 57 r).

• Prohibits any funds collected from the Family Independence Program to be used to purchase lottery tickets, alcohol, tobacco, or gambling, any illegal or nonessential items (Sec. 57 e).

• Requires the Department of Human Services to review the feasibility of a substance abuse testing program within the Family Independence Program; the Department shall report their findings no later that December 1, 2011 (Sec. 57 l).

• Specifies that any month in which a recipient has been exempted from the JET program shall not count towards the 48-month lifetime total (Sec 57 p).
• Requires the Department of Human Services to verify Family Independence Program applicants' immigration status using the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program for applicants that indicate that they are not United States Citizens (Sec. 57 b).

• Defines the "JET program" as the jobs, education and training program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation or a successor entity for applicants and recipients of Family Independence Program assistance (Sec 57).

Full Bill Text