SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate passed a bill Wednesday to allow more low-income college students to receive SNAP benefits.
Nearly one in four undergraduate students don't know where their next meal is coming from. Sen. Graciela Guzman (D-Chicago) said Illinois should expand eligibility for students who participate in a government operated program that increases employability and job readiness.
"We know that you just can't be an effective student if you're hungry," said Guzman. "With the present SNAP eligibility requirements as they are, they're so onerous that the majority of SNAP eligible college students are not presently enrolled in the program."
Senate Republicans appreciated the intent of the legislation. Although, Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) said able-bodied college students should be working in order to receive SNAP benefits.
"Every time we expand an entitlement program, we water down the rest of the program," Bryant said. "If these students who are capable and able to work a job but are no and receive benefits, those who really could use those benefits could have less available to them."
Senate Bill 1298 passed out of the Senate on a 39-16 vote and now moves to the House floor.
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