Five-Year Welfare Cap Hits Michigan Supreme Court

LANSING (AP) - Michigan's enforcement of a five-year limit on welfare benefits is on the docket at the Michigan Supreme Court, which will begin hearing arguments Thursday.

In June, the state appeals court said Gov. Rick Snyder's administration can enforce the federal limit, even if welfare recipients still might qualify for additional aid under other state rules.

The Human Services Department wants to stick to the stricter five-year limit in order to save more than $70 million a year. The decision affects more than 11,000 families.

The Saginaw-based Center for Civil Justice is challenging the policy, saying families are losing critical aid.

After hearing arguments, the Supreme Court could let the appeals court decision stand or take other action.

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