Opponents Blast Walker’s Welfare Proposals

Food Stamp Recipients Would Be Required to Take Drug Tests Under New Plan

MADISON, Wis.-Opponents say Gov. Scott Walker’s welfare overhaul proposal is a politically tone deaf effort that will do more harm than good.

Walker on Thursday called on the Legislature to approve a variety of measures that include tougher work requirements, additional drug testing and a new photo identification requirement for food stamp recipients.

Bobby Peterson is director of ABC for Health, a nonprofit law firm that helps people get health care. He says most people agree that welfare reform is needed. But he says Walker’s proposals would largely by a “kick backwards” rather than a “helping hand up.”

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling calls it a “sad and desperate” attempt to help Walker win re-election this year.

Walker and Republican supporters say the measures will help welfare recipients re-enter the workforce.