Food Stamps?

 I decided to post this article regarding the new US policy on Food Stamps or SNAP benefits.  Now I'm not advocating for or against the policy but I kind of bugs me when smug politicians go on TV and blatantly lie.  I'm somewhat appalled that so many lies are swirling about and to cause even more panic, the news seemingly plays right along and helps to spread fear amongst the public.  

So, I looked at the upcoming changes regarding SNAP policies and the misinformation being spread is that senior citizens will starve, along with families with children because their food stamps or SNAP will be cut off or eliminated.  That is not true, and I don't know why it's being presented that way, other than partisan politics.  

The primary targets of the food stamps policy going forward as I understand it, is to eliminate illegal (undocumented) migrants from receiving assistance, and to require some work (or other allowable activities) for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents, or (ABAWDS).  These ABAWDS would be referred to (I assume) a State run agency that would assist, monitor and enforce the policy.  In Hawaii where I live, the program used to be called "Employment and Training".  The work requirement is 20 hours per week or employment, work search, or perhaps volunteer work.  I will emphasize that the target group for these activities is Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents.  

I've seen some Tik Tok videos of what seemed like 20 something year olds whining that they are unable to work, or they refuse.  Now if you are unable to work because of a disability, then more than likely, you are not a part of this target group.  However, if you're simply unwilling to do anything because you enjoy your X-Box or Nintendo Switch too much, then that's a whole different issue.  Of course, the entire idea is to gain employment so as not to need SNAP benefits.  

That's pretty much it.  This new law is not going to result in Grandma or Grandpa to starve, nor will young children be deprived of these important benefits.  The target group are again, able bodied adults without dependents.  It doesn't seem unfair or unreasonable.  I've heard that this is a republican witch hunt, to which I will point out that it was under the Clinton Administration's welfare reform that brought the 5 year limit on cash assistance to families with dependents.  Again, I'm not advocating for or against it, but trying to see the issue through a neutral lens.