DaytonDailyNews.com

LEBANON — A Warren County state representative said she will initiate an amendment that would put a stop to statewide distribution of food stamps to wealthy individuals.

Rep. Shannon Jones, R-Springboro, said Wednesday she will introduce it to the state budget so food stamps being given to individuals without further review of their monetary assets is halted.

"It is inconceivable that rules promulgated by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, allows wealthy individuals to collect food stamps," Jones said. "Elected officials in Warren County and tax payers are rightly outraged that this is happening. It must be fixed."

Jones is reacting to Warren County officials who reported an area family received $500 in food stamps because the mother was unemployed despite having assets of more than $400,000, including $80,000 in the bank. County officials said they have seen a trend in wealthy individuals requesting food stamp assistance.

In July, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services released an expansion of "categorical eligibility" for food stamps that said "individuals determined eligible for certain other programs (like unemployment) are considered eligible for food stamps." Although the new policy went into effect Oct. 1, 2008, the ODJFS Web site still lists the original requirements on their "Food Stamp Benefit Fact Sheet."

Jones met with ODJFS representatives Tuesday, March 17, to discuss the issue and get clarification regarding the rule change that created the benefits loophole. Jones said officials with the state department told her the federal government "encouraged" them to make the change because it was difficult for local case workers to determine what other resources were truly available for applicants.

"How do you know that, if you're not looking at what other resources might be available?" Jones said.

Beth Kowalczyk, ODJFS bureau chief of program policy for food and cash assistance, said the streamlining was done to help the people they serve.

"We were looking at ways to legitimately simplify the process under the federal law," said Kowalczyk. "We can only do what we're allowed to do under the parameters of the federal law."

Commissioner Pat South was encouraged by Jones' announcement.

"I hope that this will get the changes needed, post haste," South said.

According to South, the county received a food stamp application Tuesday from someone who owns three rental properties, which she said emphasizes the need for a policy change.

"These benefits need to go to the people who truly need it," said South.

Kowalczyk said since food stamps is an entitlement program, no one can be turned away if they meet the qualifications, regardless of who and how many apply for assistance.

Warren County Commission has asked Administrator Dave Gully to send a letter to the ODJFS voicing its concern and that the county is contemplating setting it own guidelines or stopping the program.

If Jones amendment is approved and the bill passes, the new law will go into effect on July 1.