By AP
LANSING, MI –
Michigan lawmakers have moved forward on a plan to impose a four-year lifetime limit on getting welfare.
The Republican-led Senate voted 26-12 along party lines Tuesday to pass a budget bill that includes the limits.
The proposal is similar to one from Republican Gov. Rick Snyder that would provide exceptions to the welfare limit in cases of incapacity or hardship. The Republican-led House also is advancing a Department of Human Services budget bill with similar provisions.
Opponents say the welfare restrictions will push more families into poverty.
Lawmakers were taking multiple budget bill votes Tuesday.
The House Appropriations Committee was voting on a bill to rein in prison spending. The plan would close Mound Correctional Facility in Detroit next year, besides two prisons expected to close this summer.