Governor Sam Brownback today (THUR) signed what his administration is touting as the “most comprehensive welfare reform bill” in the nation. The controversial measure reduces the amount of time poor Kansans can receive cash assistance over their lifetimes. It restricts how they can use their benefits. And it limits the amount of cash they can withdraw with their benefit cards to $25 a day. Critics say many of the law’s provisions are counterproductive and punitive. But Department of Children and Families Secretary Phyllis Gilmore says they will motivate recipients to get busy finding a job.
Gilmore says Kansas taxpayers aren’t obligated to help Kansans who “refuse to work.”
