The Michigan House on Wednesday made it clear that welfare recipients need more guidance than the average citizen when it comes to right and wrong.
The state House passed a pair of bills that would cutting off cash assistance if their children skip school or if an adult repeatedly tests positive for drug use, Chad Livengood of the Detroit News reports.
House Bill 4388, would eliminate cash assistance for families in the Family Independence Program for children between age 16 and 18 who were declared truants in public schools. It would partially reduce assistance for truants under 16.
"It seems we're putting a hammer on individuals who just don't have the opportunity to speak for themselves," said Rep. David Nathan, D-Detroit, who voted "no" on both bills. "We need to continue to assist and not be punitive in our actions against people who need help."
The bills must still be approved by the State Senate.
