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No Food Stamps For Prisoners Under New State Law

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Michigan has a new law making it illegal for prison inmates to participate in the state's food stamp program.

The state says Lt. Gov. Brian Calley signed a bill Thursday making it illegal for prisoners to get Bridge Cards, a type of debit card that Michigan uses to provide food assistance.

The law also requires the ending of Bridge Card access to imprisoned people who've previously been issued one.

Calley said in a statement that blocking inmates from receiving the cards is a "common-sense way to reduce fraud, save taxpayer dollars and help ensure assistance is given to those who are truly in need."

The law requires the state Department of Human Services to perform a monthly incarceration match to help determine Bridge Card eligibility. Calley says that codifies policies already in place within the department.

Gov. Rick Snyder's administration has moved to limit welfare eligibility since taking over state government agencies in January 2011.

TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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