social services http://michiganradio.org en State of Opportunity: When funding dries up for programs that help kids http://michiganradio.org/post/state-opportunity-when-funding-dries-programs-help-kids <p>This week, Michigan Radio's <a href="http://stateofopportunity.michiganradio.org/post/even-short-term-job-loss-parents-can-turn-long-term-problem-kids">State of Opportunity</a> reporter <a href="http://stateofopportunity.michiganradio.org/people/dustin-dwyer" rel="author">Dustin Dwyer</a> explores a pilot project in Michigan that helped kids and reduced state caseloads.</p><p>So why, he asks, is it ending?</p> Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:03:33 +0000 Michigan Radio Newsroom 8767 at http://michiganradio.org State of Opportunity: When funding dries up for programs that help kids Michigan Legislature approves new welfare limits http://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-legislature-approves-new-welfare-limits <p>LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Residents involved in roughly 12,500 welfare cases in Michigan could lose benefits under a stricter, four-year lifetime limit that has received final approval in the Michigan Legislature.</p><p>The Republican-led House passed the legislation with 73-34 votes Wednesday mostly along party lines.</p><p>The measures will go to Gov. Rick Snyder.</p><p>The welfare limit already has been approved as part of the state budget that kicks in Oct. 1. Lawmakers plan to put the cap in a separate state statute to help implement the budget plan. The state&#39;s current four-year limit on welfare benefits would expire Sept. 30 unless the Legislature revises or extends the limitations.</p><p>The revised welfare limits have fewer exemptions than the four-year limit now in state law. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:33:13 +0000 The Associated Press 3898 at http://michiganradio.org