TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas House has approved tighter rules for social services ahead of lawmakers’ annual spring break.
The House’s 87-35 vote Thursday sends the bill to the governor to sign it into law. The bill would enshrine policies enacted since Republican Gov. Sam Brownback took office in January 2011 into law.
The policies include a requirement that able-bodied adult recipients of cash assistance have jobs or seek work.
The measure also sets new rules that include a $25-a-day limit on ATM withdrawals with cash assistance cards.
Supporters said it furthers a goal of helping people move from state assistance into jobs. Critics see it as an attack on the poor.
Department for Children and Families Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said in a statement that the bill would empower residents to become self-sufficient.