2005 House Bill 5439

Revise welfare income cap formula

Introduced in the House

Nov. 22, 2005

Introduced by Rep. Rick Shaffer (R-59)

To include the amount of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) received by a welfare recipient in the maximum income eligibility calculation. This generally refers to federal social security benefits paid to families with a disabled family member. The bill would reduce state welfare payments to most SSI recipients.

Referred to the Committee on Families and Childrens Services

Nov. 30, 2005

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 1, 2005

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 56 to 51 (details)

Received in the Senate

Dec. 6, 2005

Referred to the Committee on Families and Human Services

Dec. 8, 2005

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that eliminates the SSI cap formula, and instead just sets standard rates for those who get SSI payments and those and do not. The substitute also establishes a standard cash benefit of $79 for each additional family member in familes of eight or more, and authorizes contracting with non-profit organizations to help individuals to navigate the SSI application process.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

To eliminate a proposed benefits formula that uses the amount of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) received by a welfare recipient to determine the maximum income eligibility amount, and instead just sets standard amounts and cash assistance rates for those who get SSI payments and those and do not. The bill also authorizes contracting with non-profit organizations to help individuals to navigate the SSI application process.

Received in the House

Dec. 8, 2005

Dec. 13, 2005

Substitute offered by Rep. Jerry Kooiman (R-75)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Jerry Kooiman (R-75)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 5441, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. HB 5441 provides penalties for a welfare recipient who fails to abide by the “personal development plan” contract requirements specified by House Bill 5444.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 60 to 48 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version, which eliminates a proposed benefits formula that uses the amount of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) received by a welfare recipient to determine the maximum income eligibility amount, and instead just sets standard amounts and cash assistance rates for those who get SSI payments and those and do not. It also allows contracting with non-profit organizations to help individuals to navigate the SSI application process. The House added some minor changes.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 13, 2005

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill, which only extends the sunset of the these welfare changes through Fiscal Year 2009, and makes other minor changes.

Passed in the Senate 23 to 14 (details)

Vetoed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 27, 2005