Lawsuit filed to stop changes to Michigan welfare assistance

By Ed White Associated Press DETROIT (AP) -- Low-income family advocates asked a federal judge to stop Michigan's new, stricter four-year limit on welfare cash assistance last Friday, a day before thousands of families were set to lose aid. The Center for Civil Justice argued that residents weren't given proper notice of the changes in violation of their constitutional rights. The group accuses the state Department of Human Services of sending vague notices that didn't explain critical information, such as who in a household exceeded the time limits. Thousands "will be left with insufficient monthly income to meet their basic, subsistence needs for shelter, utilities, clothing, transportation, etc.," attorney Jacqueline Doig said. The Saginaw-based group filed a lawsuit in Detroit that asks U.S. District Judge Paul Borman to temporarily block the changes until its claims can be heard. A hearing was set for Tuesday, Oct. 4. The lawsuit alleges that more than 10,000 families and more than 20,000 children will be affected. Attorneys are seeking class-action status. A message seeking comment from the state was not immediately returned. Michigan adopted a four-year cash limit that had several exceptions in 2007, under then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat. But the new GOP-controlled Legislature, supported by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, approved a stricter program this year that could save at least $60 million a year. The revamped program, which was to take effect Saturday, has some exemptions, including for disabled residents who can't work or for people who care for a disabled spouse or child. Supporters of the new cash cap said it would help rid the system of abuse and identify people who are capable of working. The Detroit News reported that, based on a ZIP code analysis, people in Detroit and Flint would be hardest hit by the changes. Published: Tue, Oct 4, 2011