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Minutes for HB2140 - Committee on Welfare Reform
Short Title
Increasing the age range of able-bodied adults without dependents required to complete an employment and training program to receive food assistance.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 7, 2023
Chairman Awerkamp called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. and invited members to consider previous meetings' minutes.
A motion was made by Representative Johnson and seconded by Representative Hougland to approve the Committee minutes for January 31 and February 2. The motion passed.
The Chair opened the hearing on HB2140.
Revisor Jessie Pringle briefed members on the bill (Attachment 1). She explained the bill amends the statute that determines eligibility for and disqualification from public assistance programs administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). Current law states that able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) ages 18-49 who are not employed at least 30 hours per week are subject to a work training program. The bill extends the age range to 59 years of age.
Steve Greene, Opportunity Solutions Project, testified as a proponent for the bill (Attachment 2). He stated that the current work shortage currently has 97,000 open jobs in Kansas; 13,000 of this number are ABAWD on food stamps. He noted that last year's legislation required employment training for ABAWD ages 18-49. Based on the success of the previous initiative to address work shortages, this bill, by extending the age to 59, can supplement its effectiveness. Noting a possible conflict with federal fiscal regulations, he offered an amendment to address this conflict and bring the bill into compliance with federal rules. Responding to a question, he replied that DCF's data indicates that last year's initiative has augmented the workforce.
Glenda DuBois, State Director, Kansas AARP, spoke as an opponent of the bill (Attachment 3). She focused on national statistics of those above age 50 experiencing food security to show that the bill will create barriers to those seeking access to food. She also noted that the age range of 50-59 would include more individuals dealing with health issues, exacerbating their ability to meet the requirements of the bill.
Erin Melton, Food Security Policy Advisor, Kansas Action for Children, spoke in opposition to the bill (Attachment 4). Noting that previously the work-training option was voluntary for those receiving food assistance, she explained how the bill will destabilize children's care networks and force older Kansans to make the choice between helping their families and having enough to eat. She said many individuals may not have dependents but are an integral part of family structure in providing part-time care for family members. Commenting that if a caretaker fell below the 30-hour-per-week requirement because of any number of family issues, he/she would lose food benefits for three months. She concluded that the bill eliminates the flexibility that is needed for child care. Members discussed the ramifications of the bill.
Haley Kottler, Campaign Director, Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, offered testimony opposing the bill (Attachment 5). She observed that those receiving assistance often work at low-wage jobs with inconsistent hours that make the 30-hour work requirement a periodic barrier. She recounted her personal experience as caretaker to show the irregular hours required, an inconsistency making it difficult to maintain the 30-hour requirement. Members continued to discuss how the bill might affect various life situations.
The Chair noted the following individuals who provided written-only testimony, all in opposition to the bill:
- Tanya Keys, Deputy Secretary, DCF (Attachment 6);
- Kari Rinker, Government Relations Director, Kansas American Heart Association (Attachment 7);
- Karla Hagemeister, Executive Director, Flint Hills Breadbasket (Attachment 8);
- Leslie Anderson, Executive Director, Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities (Attachment 9);
- Ashley Lause, Wyandotte County WIC Program (Attachment 10);
- Lauren Tice Miller, Director of Government Relations and Elections, KNEA (Attachment 11);
- Molly Gotobed, Program Director, Community Health Council (Attachment 12);
- Karen Siebert, Advocacy and Public Policy Advisor, Harvesters--The Community Food Network (Attachment 13); and
- Donna Ginther, Director, Institute for Policy and Social Research, University of Kansas (Attachment 14).
Research Natalie Nelson provided a SNAP chart as a reference for members (Attachment 15).
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 2:53p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 9, 2023.
