FindLaw |

Legal News & Information

Union Applauds Bi-Partisan Action to Make Michigan the First State to Issue Food Stamps Twice a Month

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Apr. 09 /PRNewswire/ --

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., April 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Michigan is one step closer to becoming the first state in the nation to issue food stamps twice a month, with yesterday's passage by Michigan State House of SB 120, a move that is being applauded by the union representing grocery workers in Michigan.

"It's a win-win for everyone involved -- Michigan's workers, consumers and retailers," Roger Robinson, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 876, said. "We applaud the bi-partisan action of both the Michigan house and senate in their passage of this legislation. For almost two years, UFCW Locals 876 and 951 have been advocating for this change to the distribution of food stamps. It's encouraging to see that our representatives in Lansing can put partisan politics aside to benefit the people of Michigan."

The advantages of twice a month distribution include:

-- Greater shopping and budgeting flexibility for food stamp recipients who would be less likely to run out of food stamps before the end of the month, and be able to purchase fresh product throughout the month.

-- A greater and more even distribution of work hours for grocery store employees. Currently, these workers' hours are often cut during the last 20 days of the month, coinciding with the drop in shopping experienced after the distribution of food stamps.

-- Elimination of the financial, management and inventory problems experienced by retailers, suppliers, wholesalers, and manufacturers as a result of the current food stamp distribution system.

-- A greater selection of fresh food for all shoppers. Currently, many grocers are unable to stock fresh meat, dairy and produce during the last 20 days of the month when their business is reduced due to once a month food stamp distribution.

The bill now heads to Governor Jennifer Granholm who is expected to sign it.

"We fully anticipate that Governor Granholm will make Michigan the first state in the country to issue food stamps twice a month," Marv Russow, UFCW Local 951 president, said. "The change is good for the people of Michigan, and Governor Granholm has a strong history of siding with Michigan families and workers."

SB 120 was sponsored by Martha Scott (D-Highland Park).

Madison Heights based UFCW Local 876 and Grand Rapids based UFCW Local 951 have a combined membership of approximately 50,000 workers, the majority of whom are retail grocery workers employed by Kroger, Meijer, Hiller's, Hollywood Supermarkets, Plumb's, Polly's, and Harding's. To provide their members with the strongest political voice possible, the two locals work together on all political efforts.