Comment by milkymanchester on 26/04/2023 at 20:43 UTC

4 upvotes, 3 direct replies (showing 3)

View submission: Casual Questions Thread

Republicans want work requirements for Medicaid and food stamps. The unemployment rate is at or near historic lows, but the idea is that it will be a boon to the workforce - is this possible? Does the unemployment rate not include those already on government assistance but able to work? Has such a policy ever worked in the past?

Replies

Comment by [deleted] at 01/05/2023 at 04:52 UTC

3 upvotes, 0 direct replies

The point is that Republicans hate poor people and want them to starve to save a penny.

Comment by [deleted] at 27/04/2023 at 00:49 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Work requirements are silly for a number of reasons, but to answer your specific question, no, the unemployment rate does not include those on government assistance but not looking for work.

Comment by bl1y at 26/04/2023 at 21:31 UTC

5 upvotes, 0 direct replies

There already is a work requirement for food stamps. Over a three year period, you can be out of work and receive SNAP benefits for only 3 months. Otherwise, you have to be working at least 20 hours a week.

As for unemployment rates, an important category that's not counted are dejected workers -- people who want to be working but have given up.