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Snyder Signs Lottery Winnings, Welfare Bills

Posted: 4:57 PM Apr 11, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation aimed at ensuring lottery winnings and other assets are taken into account when determining eligibility for food stamp and other welfare programs.
Snyder signed the bills Wednesday. They come after Michigan officials twice found out that lottery winners continued to use food stamps after collecting a jackpot.
Lottery officials now must notify welfare officials about winners of $1,000 or more. The legislation will put into law a requirement for asset tests to help determine eligibility for some public assistance programs.
Michigan lawmakers began the effort last year after learning that a Bay County man used food stamps despite winning an $850,000 lump sum prize. A second case involving a Lincoln Park woman and a $700,000 lump sum was revealed this year.