Facing a wall of opposition, an effort to remove food stamp benefits from 120,000 Arizonans has apparently failed in the state Legislature.
Rep. Justin Olson said it would encourage more people to find jobs, but promised to remove the provision that eliminates or reduces benefits for many residents using food stamps.
Still though, a new measure moving through the House would allow the state to provide only the benefits absolutely required by federal law. It prohibits state officials from expanding eligibility or waiving certain requirements even at federal expense.
But Rep. Charlene Fernandez said losing eligibility for food stamps would end the automatic qualification of children for free and reduced price lunches.
"Is this worth it? I don't think so," she said. "This bill takes away a warm meal from 18,000 kids."
The food stamp measure now goes to the Senate.