Westmoreland Review

Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are urging Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration to cease seeking a waiver that allows Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits without meeting a work requirement.

“Our social safety nets are designed to help those who, through no fault of their own, are unable to work to support themselves; not people who are able-bodied but simply choose not to work,” said House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster). “Taxpayers should not be subsidizing stagnation. It is time for Pennsylvania to stop requesting this waiver and to finally focus taxpayer social safety support where it belongs: on those who legitimately cannot work to support themselves through no fault of their own.”

Of the Pennsylvanians classified as able-bodied adults who receive SNAP benefits, nearly 200,000 have no dependents. They have been exempt from a federal regulation that requires recipients to work 20 hours per week. The letter reasons that this is an opportunity to bring thousands of capable adults into the workforce, prompting their self-reliance and revitalizing Pennsylvania's economy.

“There is no greater honor than the dignity of work,” said Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon). “We are committed to ensuring that every able-bodied individual has the opportunity to participate fully in our society. It's the governor's responsibility to make sure that tax dollars are allocated wisely, supporting those in need while encouraging those capable of work to join the workforce.”

The most recent waiver, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, expired in August. The letter, sent to Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie A. Arkoosh, M.D., states that a request for a new waiver has already been submitted but hopes that ultimately DHS will think otherwise and not “implement another year-long waiver of federal work requirements.”

“We agree with the federal standard of requiring at least a 20-hour work week. By abiding by this regulation, nearly 200,000 Pennsylvanians will experience or re-experience the benefits of financial independence and the gratification of earning a day’s wage for a day’s work, and at the same time we can drive human services funding to those who truly need it, thereby improving the lives of seniors and those with intellectual or physical disabilities,” said Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland). “Perhaps these folks will pursue positions in some sectors that are experiencing staff shortages such as healthcare or manufacturing. The possibilities are endless but can only be realized if the Shapiro administration sees this same potential.”