California's food stamp policy is outdated. It is the only state that does not allow its 1.2 million recipients of federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to apply for the benefit. Many recipients are disabled because of chronic ailments or debilitating diseases like multiple sclerosis. Instead of food stamps, they can apply for a State Supplementary Payment, which pays $10 a month. This amount, which was established in 1974, has not changed in more than 30 years. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that $10 in 1974 is not $10 in 2010. If SSI recipients can't get food stamps, can they at least get a supplementary payment that is in line with the cost of food in 2010? If that doesn't work, how about the year 2000? Shaking our heads over here at The Root.
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SOURCE: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jul/05/local/la-me-food-stamps-20100702
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