Sioux Empire Today

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson has reintroduced the America Works Act, aimed at reinforcing work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Current federal law mandates that ABAWDs under 55 years old engage in work, training, or education for 20 hours weekly. However, some states have found ways to circumvent these requirements.

Johnson stated, "Work is a powerful pathway out of poverty," emphasizing the effectiveness of work requirements for able-bodied adults. He added that his bill seeks to close loopholes used by certain states.

Tarren Bragdon, President and CEO of the Foundation for Government Accountability, supported the initiative: "The power of work is transformative, enabling Americans to achieve independence and thrive." He praised Johnson's America Works Act for helping individuals transition from dependence to self-sufficiency.

The proposed legislation would adjust the definition of an ABAWD by raising age limits from 18-55 to 18-65 and exempting parents or household members responsible for a dependent child under seven years old. Additionally, it aims to prevent states from grouping high-unemployment areas with low-unemployment ones by linking waivers explicitly to county unemployment rates.

Previously enacted reforms in the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 sought to curb states' misuse of SNAP waivers but were not entirely effective due to geographic manipulations. The America Works Act is cosponsored by Representatives Randy Feenstra and Warren Davidson.