State Rep. Dave Agema, R-Grandville, said the car repair allowance dropping to $500 was the only subsidy that was reduced. Rep. Agema said he didn’t like the program, but cutting any more would have created an outcry from Democrats who think the program is necessary to get people off welfare.
Michigan’s welfare recipients may get up to $900 from the state in car repairs every year, but the House of Representatives is trying to cut that to $500.
The car repair subsidies are part of a $6.4 million program the Department of Human Services has to help welfare recipients get a job and stay employed. Among many approved expenses, the program also includes up to $1,200 for welfare recipients to buy a car, and up to $500 for clothing allowance for job interviews and work.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” said Jim Chiodo, a tea party activist from Holland. “This floors me. … They keep finding more and more. … When are we going to stop? They need money to go to the movies? It’s ridiculous.”
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