Should SNAP Recipients Have to Work?

Governor Jim Justice recently signed a bill that would require some able-bodied SNAP recipients to either work or volunteer 20 hours a week.

On this week’s Front Porch podcast, Rick Wilson argues this new requirement won’t lead more people to work, and will hurt families and West Virginia’e economy.

Meanwhile, Jessi Troyan argues there are deeper economic forces at play making it hard for SNAP recipients to find work.

Also, we discuss the passage of the noodling bill. What’s noodling? Rick Wilson demonstrates.

Welcome to “The Front Porch,” where we tackle the tough issues facing Appalachia the same way you talk with your friends on the porch.

Hosts include WVPB Executive Director and recovering reporter Scott Finn; economist Jessi Troyan of the free-market Cardinal Institute; and liberal columnist and avid goat herder Rick Wilson, who works for the American Friends Service Committee.

An edited version of “The Front Porch” airs Fridays at 4:50 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s radio network, and the full version is available at wvpublic.org and as a podcast as well.

Share your opinions with us about these issues, and let us know what you’d like us to discuss in the future. Send a tweet to @radiofinn or @wvpublicnews, or e-mail Scott at sfinn @ wvpublic.org

The Front Porch is underwritten by the Pulitzer Prize-winning Charleston Gazette-Mail. Find the latest news, traffic and weather on its CGM App. Download it in your app store, and check out its website: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/