The Case for Fixing Food Stamps

Its work requirement is evaded, and states don’t share in its costs

WSJ editorial. Excerpts:

"more than 41 million Americans are on food stamps, and the program long ago ceased to be temporary help for those who fall on hard times. Enrollment doesn’t shrink any longer in a strong economy as it should, and the rolls include millions of adults who can work."

"The program on paper requires that able-bodied adults without dependents work part-time or lose benefits after three months. Yet the Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC), a think tank, estimates that a mere 16% of these adults work 20 hours a week or more. Government data suggests that only 28% of such adults have earned income."

"States rely on old unemployment data and gerrymander regions to paint locales as scenes from the Great Depression."

"nearly 40% of these able-bodied adults without dependents live in areas where the work requirement is waived."

"growing up around adults who work is crucial for a child’s shot at upward mobility."

"the feds pick up 100% of the benefits tab, which means states have an incentive to draw down more federal dollars."

"the program’s improper payment figure is north of 10%"

"states showed in the 1990s, after the federal welfare reform, that they could manage case loads and help people find their footing back into the private economy."