More Illinois families are turning to welfare. One lawmaker wants to make sure they’re not abusing the system.
Representative Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth) introduced several bills to cut down on waste and make sure those who are on welfare deserve to be. In a press conference Thursday morning, Mitchell said welfare reform will save the state thousands of dollars.
He’s pushing for mandatory drug testing of welfare recipients to include work requirements in order to receive food stamps. Mitchell is even asking for legislation to require micro-chipped, smart Link cards. He made the efforts to introduce these proposals before but says, with the state’s financial condition, the time is now.
“Now we have one and three Illinoisans on a program, and we’re not fully funding education. Our priorities are out of whack folks that’s what I’m saying. We need to go back to Springfield and we go back next week. Let’s change the way we’re doing things,” said Mitchell.