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Michigan Removes 30,000 College Students From Food Stamp Program

In an effort to cut costs and balance Michigan’s state budget, Human Services Director Maura Corrigan has removed an estimated 30,000 college students from the state’s food stamp program.

“Maybe (students) could go get a part-time job — that’s what I did,” said Corrigan, a former justice of the Michigan Supreme Court in a recent story from The Detroit News.”

For the most part, college students are not eligible for food stamps under federal rules. But under former Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s administration, attending college alone qualified people for food assistance.

But at the direction of Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, Corrigan is making it clear that the state can no longer sustain the costs involved in handing out food stamps to college students.

“We want to encourage people to be self-sufficient, not to be dependent on the government,” she said.

According to The Detroit News, “Corrigan…has also ordered administrators to start looking at applicants’ assets, not just their income. That move follows an uproar after it was revealed Leroy Fick of Auburn remained eligible for food stamps and continued using them after he won $2 million in the state lottery TV show ‘Make Me Rich!’ in June 2010.”

Starting Oct. 1, assets will also be considered in determining eligibility for new applicants. The assets of existing food stamp recipients will also be examined as their cases are re-evaluated every six months.

Of course, there are opponents to Corrigan’s decision.

“Students should be focusing on their education, not whether or not they’ll be able to eat dinner or whether they can manage to find a job and balance it on top of their studies,” said Kayla Neff, a 19-year-old Spanish and computer science student at Central Michigan University, in a Friday email interview from Mount Pleasant.

Michican Removes College Students From Food Stamp Program

Democratic Gov. Jennifer Ganholm: 2003 - 2010

“A more nuanced approach would have been more humane,” said director of the Michigan State University Student Food Bank Nate Smith-Tyge. “This sort of carte blanche decision is going to adversely affect people who really needed it. At what cost does it eliminate some abuse?”

The move seems a good first step towards the type of fiscal responsibility Michigan desperately needs. Not only did it save $75 million, but it also corrected a long-standing mistake.

Comments (149)

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  • The_Almighty_Creestof
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:44pm

    Then maybe they should quit hiding from the real world, quit school and get FULL-time jobs (if they can find one) …if they can’t find a part-time job now (or the time/energy to work it), what is the point of continuing their education? To be unemployed with a BA in some field and have students loans hanging over their heads?

    Like the old joke goes “I think McDonalds should hire only employees with masters degrees…I’m tired of having my fries served by losers who only have an AA or BA.”

    Report Post »  
  • My Two Cents
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:44pm

    We did it under Carter. They can do it under Obama. Have more faith in our youth.

    Report Post »  
  • victorincalifornia
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:40pm

    SPQR1: you want others to support these pillars of society, the supporters are working and contributing, these students can’t work or are unable to find any active employment, 90 out of 100 can ?

    Report Post »  
    • DarkFire
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 7:18pm

      it is great to see that my state is stepping up and trying to correct things. it is a small step but hopefully more is to come. now if only someone could get rid of the UAW then the price of a car would actually reflect a decent amount. keep cutting Michigan, cut, cut, and make people work for what they get.

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 8:13pm

      In the mid-90′s I was a single mother of a handicapped child in Missouri. I was asked if I had pre-arranged funeral services, or had given or sold anything in the last year. I didn’t qualify because I had a truck (that I was still making payments on) and had a job that paid minimum wage. I asked the lady, if I lose my job and sell my truck, will I qualify? She actually told me yes, I would. I decided not to go that route and worked harder at my piece rate job. those were lean years, but they taught me to budget.

      For a happy ending, me and my husband reconciled and remarried.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 8:20pm

      I hear that the Colleges in Michigan are full of socialist, progressive and communist type teachers. If this is true and the students have to drop out of college because of no more food stamps then maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. No more free food or brain-washing. Get a job, pay your own way and maybe wake up along the way.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • aurora53
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:35pm

    This is a step in the right direction. Why should the taxpayer’s have to pay for their food? If they can afford college, then let mommy and daddy pay for their food!

    Report Post »  
    • Sparky101
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 7:32pm

      “We want to encourage people to be self-sufficient, not to be dependent on the government,” she said. Imagine that. What dummies decided to give free food to college students? Working while going to college is the way many, many people managed to get their degrees. It was hard, but worth it. Anything worthwhile is worth working for. Give people their degree, their car, their food, and I doubt they really appreciate it anyway.

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 8:15pm

      I was lucky and got a scholarship through the VFW I lived at home with my parents and carried 17-19 hours with a part time job at J.C. Penny’s. I only did a year and a half though before joining the Navy. I worked to pay for the gas to and from school and lunch on campas. Everyone wants to go to college away from home. Southeast Missouri State University was good enough for me.

      Report Post »  
    • Daffodilla
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 8:54pm

      Our tax dollars pay for their free college, pell grants give “lower-income” students $5,500 a year, usually more when you factor in “supplemental grants”…with the programs today kids actually end up with money back after tuition and books are completely paid for…just another grand entitlement program the socialists have thought up.

      Report Post » Daffodilla  
    • USALakota
      Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:02pm

      I agree. Nice bit of news for a change.

      Report Post »  
  • Just in time
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:35pm

    Wouldn’t it be nice if homophobes like SPQRI. Stay with the topic. It’s about food not education

    Report Post »  
  • victorincalifornia
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:33pm

    Tired of paying my own rent and why should I have to pay for my own lunch everyday, there’s millionaires, billionaires and corporate jet owners (not sure what that means) who can pitch in a little and keep me fat and happy.

    Report Post »  
  • victorincalifornia
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:29pm

    I’ve had a change of heart, I think an enterprising young adult attending college should’nt have to worry about food, lodging or transportation. A car, meals and an apartment should be given to these future leaders. I’m enrolling in poli-sci tomorow——–

    Report Post »  
    • Lesley
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 7:26pm

      My niece goes to Cal Poly, CA – 4.8 avg. Her mom is a teacher and works to put her through college. Also, my niece has a part time job to help her mom out because she did not get a scholarship like others have! Hmm I wonder why?? Could it be that she has character, values and all the other great things that her single mom brought her up with? Does not drink, smoke or take drugs! She is the designated driver for friends….I say, get a life and be your own person and not suck off others!! Have a nice day! : )

      Report Post »  
  • victorincalifornia
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:21pm

    They can pay tuition but can’t afford lunch ? Why do college students get free lunches, what about Joe Shmoe paying his taxes for this, why’s he not getting a free lunch, I’d like one now and then but everyday would be great.

    Report Post »  
    • Daffodilla
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 8:59pm

      Actually if a student qualifies for food stamps, they definitely qualify for financial aid, which currently consists of a $5,500 pell grant per year (prior to April 2011 “low income” students received two of these pell grants per year) in addition, other supplement “grants” are also added. Most college students end up with a large chunk of a “refund” this is after their tuition and books are completely paid for of course. All on the taxpayer’s dime! No more working hard through college, that’s for sure.

      Report Post » Daffodilla  
  • Spqr1
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:19pm

    Another out of touch sociopath GOPer who’s answer to all economic problems is “let them eat cake.”

    Report Post »  
    • K Chad Roberts
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:36pm

      @ SPQR1

      “Another out of touch sociopath GOPer who’s answer to all economic problems is “let them eat cake.”

      Hey! Are you not paying attention? It is the proponents of this type of excessive food stamp system that are LITERALLY giving them cake, not the opponents. One of the reason many of my fellow students are so wildly liberal is because they receive something from liberal policy.

      So in essence, they are given stuff (cake) while being told that the wars and the debt and turmoil are no problem… all through liberal policy in which you have insinuated that you supports. Get it right… these “sociopathic GOPers” are the ones telling the truth, while the big government politicians are handing out cake and saying everything is fine. OPEN YOUR EYES! I don’t comment often, but the absurdity and hypocrisy of your statement really got to me.

      Report Post »  
    • My Two Cents
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:48pm

      More like “let them eat beans & rice on there own dime”. Won’t hurt them a bit.

      Report Post »  
    • USMarine0311
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:53pm

      It called Raman Noodles and bean and weenies two items that got me through the rough times. People nowadays have become too spoiled with luxuries of life they can’t manage some hard times.

      Report Post »  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 7:13pm

      @spqr1 There’s no constitutional right to welfare anyway,just because congress passed a law to create welfare doesn‘t mean it’s constitutional,FDR created social security another unconstitutional program.
      It’s immoral for government to take from producers and give to non producers,I know it‘s a hard concept for a lib to comprehend but that’s the way it is.

      The feds will have to eliminate whole departments,HUD,Dept.of energy,education and many other useless & redundant departments if we’re to have even the slimmest chance to avoid a depression.
      Libs like to use the word rights,we have a right to a job,healthcare,and a house,it’s all BS and unconstitutional.

      Welfare for individuals & corporations needs to be abolished permanently,it‘s like a parasite draining the host it’s immoral and disgusting.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • pamdix
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 8:10pm

      No, that‘s Obama’s and Moochelle’s job.

      Report Post »  
    • Sara72
      Posted on August 9, 2011 at 6:13am

      @SPQR1 Seriously , what is wrong with you! Out of touch GOPer… How about YOUR out of touch President and his wife… they just had a weekend of FUNDRAISER and Birthday Parties… White House Birthday Bash … Cost to the Taxpayers $ 300,000.00 and NO PICTURES… you know he didnt want the people to see the extreme Birthday bas, you know because many of them dont have jobs….food….homes….or a JOB anymore….. LOOK AT YOUR OWN PARTY AND CLEAN it up before you call out the other side! Michelle Obama takes the girls on world tour vacations ( and ALL HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY) you wanna talk out of touch!

      Report Post » Sara72  
  • Hillbillyjihad
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:16pm

    What kills me is if these Kids want free food and Lodging while learning something valuable….ENLIST!! you dead beat whiny little punks, I did and I earn a much better living then I ever thought possible

    Report Post » Hillbillyjihad  
    • HumbleCitizen
      Posted on August 9, 2011 at 7:54pm

      Naw, it’s called living at your parents house (free housing, food, utilities, laundry, lol) and attending the local college.

      Report Post » HumbleCitizen  
  • BowHuntingTexas
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:15pm

    They‘re not going to be able to find a minimum wage job that’s already occupied by an illegal alien.

    Report Post » BowHuntingTexas  
  • lynda1276
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:08pm

    i too worked while i was in college- i ate alot of mac and cheese and tuna fish- i survived!

    Report Post »  
  • jim
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:05pm

    The unions and Dems destroyed the auto industry in the state… ask the unions for the a college job.

    Report Post » jim  
    • billwess
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 2:20pm

      It is a sad commentary that we have went from a society that was generous and looking out for others to ‘what’s in it for me‘ and ’where‘s my cut’. The breakdown of the family still lies at the heart of it all. Sooner or later it will come back around.
      http://www.bwebers.com

      Report Post »  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:02pm

    I think this is a good idea. I have one child in college right now & we will not let her starve. My daughter thought this was terrible. I had to explain the facts of reality to her. I cannot believe I had a child who did not understand that other people should never have to pay for food stamps for her. She has now, much to her chagrin, learned a little truth about Socialism. Sigh….

    Report Post »  
    • outrider
      Posted on August 9, 2011 at 1:03pm

      Good job, Mom. But she won‘t really learn until the day comes when someone ’less fortunate” than her gets in her face and demands the fruits of HER labor. Then she’ll really start to understand.

      I‘ve yet to meet a Socialist who is willing to be the one who pays for someone else’s comforts when the loss of that money is enough for them to feel it. When they make their arguments for Socialism, they are always speaking from the standpoint of being one of the entitled, a RECEIVER of benefits, never from the standpoint of the taxpayer who has to give up his income to someone else. To see their true colors and their greed all you have to do is propose a scenario where THEY will be the person who is heavily taxed in order to pay for those who will not support themselves. They are highly skilled at coming up with reasons THEY shouldn’t be asked to pay! It would be funny if it weren’t so pathetic.

      Report Post »  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 5:57pm

    What are college students doing on food stamps? If they can not afford to be there send them home!

    Report Post »  
  • rourke13
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 5:47pm

    I live here in MI and doing my best to move out as soon as possible. This is a great move as the college kids sold their EBT cards for drugs or food & mixers for parties. My husband would come back from the store so frustrated seeing that the students would have an iphone, nice car and be able to party on our dime. I hope this is a step in the right direction.

    Report Post »  
  • Lone Wolf
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 5:47pm

    I worked the whole time I was in college. It will not kill them.

    Report Post »  
  • the hawk
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 5:39pm

    tHAT MIGHT ALSO CURE THAT FRESHMAN 10(LBS) !

    Report Post »  
  • Akron1950
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 5:34pm

    Food stamps for collage kids, come on! Glad they stopped that! They can’t even cook!!!!!!!

    Report Post » Akron1950  
  • Protoham
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 5:09pm

    Well Good, when I was in school, Many years ago I had a friend who managed to get onto food stamps (he didn’t need them), but they would not let you buy beer. So he bought the ingredient and made his own brew.

    Report Post »  
  • TXVET48
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 4:56pm

    Getting an education is valuable and worthwhile but learning real life lessons are even more valuable. Too many entitlements are what got America in it’s current mess. Hard decisions need to be made although I think this one is a no brainer.

    Report Post » TXVET48  
  • tootsie roll
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 4:23pm

    Why are healthy young kids getting food stamps?

    Report Post »  
  • gramma b
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 4:21pm

    good move

    Report Post »  
  • tootsie roll
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 4:12pm

    Where are the parents of these colleg kids? Your parental obligation for feeding your children does not stop when you send them to college. Is the young lady Kayla Neff without parents? Is she here legally? Is she too sick to work and go to school? Who pays for her tution? Is that paid for by the taxpayers also. LIFE IS NOT A FREE RIDE WORK IF YOU WANT TO EAT OR ASK YOUR PARENTS FOR FOOD MONEY. I BET ALL OF THESE 30 THOUSAND KIDS HAVE CELL PHONES

    Report Post »  
    • WylE
      Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:14pm

      Hey, one cannot live without one’s cell phone.

      Report Post »  
  • Jim213
    Posted on August 8, 2011 at 4:01pm

    Granholm’s pension should be taken away !

    Report Post »  
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