Thousands of Georgians are likely to lose their food stamps next week, the latest deadline for able-bodied recipients to find a job.
In January, the state expanded the work requirements for able-bodied, childless food stamp recipients to 21 counties, including several in the Atlanta area such as Coweta, Bartow and Barrow. Some 12,000 able-bodied people in these counties were told they have three months to start a job or job training, or face losing their benefits. April 1 is the deadline.
When these work requirements have been implemented in other states, more than half the affected people often lose their benefits.
The work requirements are wildly popular among conservatives who believe these people need to be pushed into finding work. But progressives say its a harsh policy that doesn't take into account the challenges many of these people face, such as physical and mental health issues.
Read more about the controversial mandate: Able-bodied food stamp recipients could lose benefits
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