Helping struggling families Put Food on the Table Without Sacrificing Their Car

Statement

In October, I introduced the Eliminate Auto Test (EAT) Act to counter new rules from Lansing Republicans that make it harder for families facing financial challenges to receive food assistance if they own a car. During these tough economic times we need to stand up for our friends and neighbors - so I decided to do something about it. After introducing the EAT Act, which would prevent states from asset testing vehicle ownership when determining whether families qualify for food assistance, I sent a letter to Governor Rick Snyder urging him to reconsider his asset testing policy.

The Governor's office is now revising its asset test rules to exempt the first vehicle Michigan families own when they are applying for food assistance. I'm pleased that the Governor was willing to meet me halfway in exempting one car from these asset tests. This change will help numerous families in the Greater Detroit area. I would have preferred that Michigan join the 33 states that do not asset test vehicles at all, but I'm glad that we could work together to allow struggling families to keep their car to get to work, seek employment, transport their children, and take care of daily necessities while still being able to put food on the table.

Source