TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Tallahassee mayor and gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum is speaking out about proposed cuts to Florida's food assistance program.
A bill that could cut off food stamps for nearly 300,000 Floridians, including children and seniors, is making its way through the Florida legislature. House Bill 581 would change the standards for who can apply for food stamps, cutting off access for families across the state.
Those against the bill say they're worried it targets some of Florida's most vulnerable people. Republicans backing the measure say, now that the economy is improving, it's time to change eligibility requirements because fewer people are impoverished.
Gillum delivered a petition with more than 6,000 opposing the change to Speaker Richard Cochran's office Tuesday.
Gillum says, while Florida's economy has improved, that doesn't justify cutting food assistance programs.
Food stamps are paid by the federal government, but state legislators have some control over eligibility. The proposal changing Florida's requirements has made it through two house committees, so far.
