Representative Kennedy and Senator Scott Introduce the Let’s Get to Work Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Mike Kennedy (R-Utah-03) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) have introduced the Let’s Get to Work Act, a bold initiative aimed at encouraging all individuals capable of working to do so, ultimately fostering a stronger economy for our nation. The bill seeks to expand work requirements within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and HUD housing programs, including applying SNAP work requirements to all able-bodied adults under the age of 60, as well as those with children over the age of 6.
"Growing up receiving government assistance and working since I was 12, I know firsthand that the key to making government support truly effective is pairing it with work. By expanding work requirements in programs like SNAP and HUD housing, we’re ensuring that all capable individuals contribute to their own success and to the future of this country. These reforms will help Americans get back to work, reduce dependency on welfare, and increase their income. It’s time to reduce Washington’s interference, empower able-bodied Americans to reenter the workforce, and unlock the full potential of our great nation," said Representative Mike Kennedy
"Americans want to work, have financial independence and provide good lives for their families – it’s the foundation of the American Dream. For years, Democrats and the far-left have waged a war on work with a massive expansion of the welfare state, encouraging able-bodied Americans to rely on the government instead of getting back into the workforce. As President Donald Trump gets our nation’s economy back on track, we must have as many Americans as possible participating in our workforce. Our bill, the Let’s Get to Work Act, will ensure Americans relying on government benefits like SNAP or housing subsidies who are capable of working are doing so. This change will drive our nation’s economic success and leave the failed economic policies of Joe Biden behind, getting us one step closer to Making America Great Again,” said Senator Rick Scott
“Work enabled our forefathers to turn a wilderness into a nation, drove our westward expansion to the Pacific Ocean, and empowered us to put a man on the moon. Historically, our nation has valued work as a source of dignity and opportunity. It is time we stop treating it as a burden. For able-bodied adults receiving taxpayer benefits, engaging in meaningful employment is not just beneficial but essential. The Let’s Get to Work Act applies more robust work requirements for SNAP to ensure that assistance remains a temporary safety net, not a source of long-term dependency. Let’s get back to commonsense policies that promote our American values of initiative and personal responsibility,” said Representative Josh Brecheen
Key Points
It ends the current suspension of SNAP’s work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
It expands the existing SNAP work requirements to able-bodied adults aged 50-59 and to parents of children over six years old.
It eliminates the “no-good-cause exemptions” from the food stamp ABAWD work requirement that allows states to circumvent these work requirements.
Establishes work requirements for public housing by applying these same work requirements (above) to HUD Public Housing and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (voucher) programs.
Exempts all parents with children under the age of six and persons who care for incapacitated individuals (as per current law) and non-working spouses caring for dependents if the other spouse fulfills the work requirement.