Uncategorized

Washington Welfare Limits Struck Down

U.S. District Judge Franklin Burgess ruled against a state law that required people to reside in Washington for one year before collecting welfare benefits at state levels.

“The law unfairly penalizes people who move here to escape from a battering spouse, to join family members or to pursue a job opportunity,” said Julya Hampton, an American Civil Liberties Union representative.

Supporters of the law worried that poor families would move to Washington because of higher benefits. Washington pays a family of three $546 a month, while Idaho pays $276 and Oregon $460.

A federal appeals court recently struck down a similar law in California, citing discrimination against new residents.

Sources:

AP - February 9, 1998

Support eh ERA banner