May 24, 2017
On Thursday, the Joint Finance Committee is expected to vote on the next few portions of Gov. Scott Walker’s biennial budget, including sections relating to FoodShare in the Department of Health Services.
The Governor’s budget includes significant welfare reform, such as one provision that would require able-bodied adults with children aged six or older to seek job training with a program such as FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) in order to receive FoodShare benefits. Under current law, only able-bodied adults without children or dependents must work a total of 80 hours per month in order to receive benefits.
The FSET program offers a myriad of job and skills training for underemployed individuals in Wisconsin. Check out the charts below for a look at average weekly wages and hours earned by FSET participants, as well as enrollment and employment statistics.
For a more complete roundup of welfare reform in the 2017-19 budget, check out this past MacIver piece.
Stay up-to-date with the latest budget news over at @MacIverWisc.