FoodShare Particiaption Debated
Republicans on the committee have balked at Gov. Doyle's proposal to make participation in the FoodShare Employment and Training Program voluntary. Doyle has estimated making the program voluntary will save $709,000 in state GPR over the biennium, as well as the same amount in federal funds. (Budget paper 406)
Co-chair Rep. Rhoades and her GOP colleagues said making the program voluntary retreats from the state's mission with the W-2 program, and is "starting to go back to the traditional welfare program." Rhoades moved to delete the provision.
Rep. Robin Vos, R-Racine, said even though mandating participation in the FoodShare program may cost more, it ensures that those receiving benefits are actively looking for work "so people begin to get off the public dole."
The Dems prevailed as the vote deadlocked at 8-8, and the governor's proposal was adopted.
On the next vote, after an attempt by Republicans to delete the provision and by Democrats to modify it, the governor's proposal to move the FoodShares program from DWD to DHFS was approved by default. (Budget paper 407)
