LANSING, Mich-  Michiganders will no longer have to prove that they have $15,000 in assets like cash, checking and savings accounts in order to qualify for food assistance benefits – although income and expenses will still be used to determine eligibility.

“No one should be forced to sell their car or empty their savings account to feed themselves and their children,” says Governor Whitmer. “Improving access to food assistance is a commonsense step already taken by 36 other states to lower costs for families and ensure they can get the benefits they need.”

Governor Whitmer says people who had more than $15,000 worth of assets (including vehicles and savings) were disqualified for food assistance.

Click here to read the legislation

According to Michigan Capitol Confidential, Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, leads the House Republicans. Hall said the problem is not with food assistance in general, but giving help meant for the needy to people who might not need it.

“Michiganders are always ready to support people who need temporary help to get back up on their feet, but Democrats are turning the food assistance program on its head,” Hall said in a statement. “Without this test measuring people’s wealth, even lottery winners and other millionaires could rake in food stamps paid for with our tax dollars that should be going to those who truly need help feeding their families. Offering food stamps to the rich does nothing to put food on the tables of Michiganders in need.”