– Wisconsin Republicans want to restrict what people can buy with food stamps (Independent, May 16, 2015):
A Bill has been passed by Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin which could force those on food stamps to buy two thirds of their food from a restricted list, excluding luxury items.
The list of permitted items includes beef, pork, poultry, potatoes, dairy products and foodstuffs available under the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program.
People on the food stamps programme (FoodShare) would also no longer be allowed to purchase crab, lobster or other shellfish, according to the Journal Sentinel.
The Bill’s proponents argue that: “There is a direct financial benefit not just to the individual, which of course is obvious to have better health, but also to state taxpayers and society as a whole,” said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.
Every Democrat in attendance, at the Madison State Assembly vote, opposed the bill along with two Republicans.