Education as welfare work requirement expanded

Lawmakers passed a bill May 2 that expands eligibility for education to satisfy work requirements in order to qualify for certain public benefits.

Currently, the Welfare Reform Act allows participants younger than 24 to pursue a high school diploma or General Educational Development Test (GED) and remain in compliance with the Aid to Dependent Children Program’s work requirements.

LB240, introduced by Scottsbluff Sen. John Harms, removes the age restriction.

The bill was approved on a 41-0 vote.