Yes, the bad economy is one big reason why the food stamp rolls have exploded under President Obama. But it is not the only one.
As the links from the House Ways and Means Committee below show, Obama has actively sought to expand food stamp dependency:
- Suspending work requirements for food stamp benefits: The 2009 stimulus suspended food stamp work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (and each subsequent Obama budget proposed to continue suspending these work requirements), contributing to dramatic increases in food stamp caseloads.
- Increasing the size of food stamp benefits, discouraging work: The 2009 stimulus law also increased food stamp benefits, resulting in the average family of four receiving an added $80 per month or nearly $1,000 more per year, further increasing disincentives to work.
- Letting anyone collect food stamps and Medicaid benefits, regardless of their savings or assets: Through administrative action and the passage of ObamaCare, the Administration has effectively removed asset limits for both food stamps and Medicaid recipients. This means that today even individuals with significant savings or assets can collect these government benefits, rather than turning to their own resources first for support. For food stamps, the Administration even supports a policy allowing anyone receiving an informational pamphlet about government services paid for with TANF funds to automatically qualify for food stamp benefits.
