Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires recipients of food stamps to participate in certain professional development activities.

Highlights:

• Requires applicants for food stamps to engage in certain professional development activities including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):
• Working toward a general educational development (GED) diploma;
• Attending self-development classes;
• Enrolling in an adult literacy class; or
• Pursuing technical education.

• Exempts the following individuals from the requirement to engage in professional development activities (Sec. 1):
• Individuals who are under 16 and over 59 years of age;
• Individuals who are developmentally disabled;
• Individuals who are physically or mentally unfit for employment;
• A caretaker for a dependent child under 6 years of age or the caretaker of an incapacitated adult;
• A parent who is the primary caregiver of a dependent child under 12 years of age;
• An individual who is employed at least 30 hours per week;
• An individual who is participating in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program;
• A student enrolled at least half-time; or
• An individual who is receiving unemployment benefits.

Full Bill Text