MADISON, WI (AP)-- Wisconsin lawmakers have pushed forward a measure that would restrict products available to food stamp recipients.
The Assembly's public benefit reform committee approved the bill Wednesday on an 8-6 vote. It would require food stamp recipients to use at least two-thirds of their monthly benefits to purchase nutritional foods such as beef, chicken and fresh produce. Users would be barred from buying crab, lobster, shrimp and other shellfish.
The federal government funds food stamp benefits. If approved, legislators would need a waiver to impose limitations. No state has received such a waiver.
The Assembly passed a similar bill last session but it never got a vote in the Senate.
A fiscal estimate reported that implementing the measure could cost $56 million.
The bill now moves to the Assembly next week.