密歇根新闻广播 密歇根州恢复了对食品援助人员的工作要求

Michigan will reinstate a requirement that all able-bodied adults without dependents work 20 hours a week to qualify for food assistance.

That requirement was lifted in 2002 because of high unemployment. When unemployment dropped, the federal government required that it go back on the books.

Fourteen counties started implementing¹ the requirement last year. Starting October 1st, it will be again be implemented² statewide.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will be sending out around 67,000 letters to those affected³ by the change. The change will require people to work an average of 20 hours per week in a month, either in "unsubsidized employment," "an approved employment and training program," or by "volunteering at a nonprofit organization."

Markell Miller⁴ is the Director of Food Programs for Food Gatherers. The group distributes to food pantries in Washtenaw County. She joined Stateside to talk about what the requirement means for organizations like hers.

"I think what's important to realize about this work requirement is that it doesn't affect that many people. I think many people are going to maintain their benefits and not see anything that impacts their assistance," Miller said. "However, for the people who are subject to the work requirement, it can be pretty disruptive to getting food on the table."

Food Gatherers conducted a study last year with the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning about the local impact of re-implementing the p olicy.

"Many people that were subject to the work requirement didn't know that they could volunteer to maintain eligibility⁵ if they were having trouble finding employment," Millerexplained.

Exemption⁶ from the work requirement still applies to those who are "physically⁷ or mentally unable to work for 20 hours, are pregnant or care for a child under age 6, orsomeone who is incapacitated," according to a press release from the MDHHS. The department is planning to provide resources to help those who are affected as the policy is re-implemented this fall.

1 implementing   

v.实现( implement的现在分词 )；执行；贯彻；使生效

参考例句：

• -- Implementing a comprehensive drug control strategy. ――实行综合治理的禁毒战略。 来自汉英非文学 - 白皮书
• He was in no hurry about implementing his unshakable principle. 他并不急于实行他那不可动摇的原则。 来自辞典例句

2 implemented   

v.实现( implement的过去式和过去分词 )；执行；贯彻；使生效

参考例句：

• This agreement, if not implemented, is a mere scrap of paper. 这个协定如不执行只不过是一纸空文。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• The economy is in danger of collapse unless far-reaching reforms are implemented. 如果不实施影响深远的改革，经济就面临崩溃的危险。 来自辞典例句

3 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

4 miller   

n.磨坊主

参考例句：

• Every miller draws water to his own mill.磨坊主都往自己磨里注水。
• The skilful miller killed millions of lions with his ski.技术娴熟的磨坊主用雪橇杀死了上百万头狮子。

5 eligibility   

n.合格，资格

参考例句：

• What are the eligibility requirements? 病人被选参加试验的要求是什么？ 来自英汉非文学 - 生命科学 - 回顾与展望
• Eligibility for HINARI access is based on gross national income (GNI). 进入HINARI获取计划是依据国民总收入来评定的。

6 exemption   

n.豁免，免税额，免除

参考例句：

• You may be able to apply for exemption from local taxes.你可能符合资格申请免除地方税。
• These goods are subject to exemption from tax.这些货物可以免税。

7 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。