Watch CBS News

State May Deny Aid For Burials

LANSING (WWJ) - Buried in the state welfare budget is a provision to deny state aid to persons who may be poor and cannot afford to bury their loved ones.

If the body is unclaimed, the state will provide money for the burial. But, if the body is claimed, they will not provide financial assistance.

WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick caught up with Republican State Senator Roger Kahn at the capital building.

Kahn believes citizens should consult other sources instead of asking the state for help.

"We feel that they ought to be able to find the resources to be able to bury their loved ones," Kahn said.

"So, the people out there who say, 'Look you know, I'd love to bury my dad but I don't have the money and I'm turning to the state,' you're going to turn a deaf ear?" Skubick asked.

"No, not at all. We're going to ask them to do what most people do, to get together with their family and find a way to take care of their loved ones," Kahn replied.

Other changes to the state welfare budget include reducing aid to the clothing allowance program for children on welfare, as well as reducing the disability assistance monthly payment from $269 to $200 for new applicants.

The cuts are part of Governor Rick Synder's revised budget plan.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.