BIMONTHLY FOOD ASSISTANCE S.B. 120: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 120 (as introduced 1-30-08)
Sponsor: Senator Martha G. Scott
Committee: Families and Human Services
Date Completed: 2-25-08
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Social Welfare Act to require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to issue an individual's regular food assistance benefits two times each month, if it determined that the individual was eligible for food assistance benefits. The DHS could continue to issue food assistance benefits on a staggered basis by the last digit of the case number.
The bill would not apply to issuing initial food assistance benefits, retroactive food assistance benefits, or supplemental food assistance benefits.
Proposed MCL 400.14j Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
If enacted, the bill would lead to an increase in administrative expense for the Department of Human Services. Implementation of a twice-monthly payment for food assistance program (FAP) recipients would require modifications in information technology systems used by the Department to manage FAP payments. The Department also would have to devote additional staff resources (on a one-time basis) to implementing the change in how FAP payments are distributed.
Increases in administrative cost associated with the FAP program would be eligible for 50% Federal reimbursement.
Fiscal Analyst: David Fosdick
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb120/0708