Missouri is On Track to Prevent Immediate Loss of Safety Net Benefits When Participants Get a Pay Increase

(MISSOURINET) – The Missouri Senate has passed a bill that aims to prevent immediate loss of government benefits, like food stamps, when participants get a pay raise or consider a job promotion. The proposal, which now heads to the House, would instead reduce those benefits proportionate to any income increases. The bill sponsor, State Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Jefferson County, says Missouri has created a safety net program that traps people into dependency…

Harrisonville State Senator Rick Brattin, a fellow Republican, says he thinks the legislation would expand social services programs. The bill would also allow Missourians to apply for any of these benefits through a one-page application, instead of the current 60-plus pages.