"Existing guidelines have allowed for outrageous abuse of the system, and the resources here are limited," Agema said. "Public assistance programs aren't a right, and we have too many people behaving like the state owes them something. The state has a responsibility to provide for those really in need, and huge changes are needed and are finally taking place to make sure the money goes to those who qualify for it based on need."

An asset test is also being discussed with the Department of Human Services (DHS) meant to ensure that lottery winners who qualified for food assistance prior to their lottery wins cannot retain their Bridge Cards.

"Our current DHS director has already made significant reforms to the system and it's a pleasant change to see something being done about the waste, fraud and abuse that the previous administration allowed in public assistance programs," Agema said. "I have worked for over four years on these changes and I'm very pleased to see progress being made to guarantee that taxpayer dollars are being properly spent."

House Bills 4719-24, along with House Concurrent Resolution 31 and House Resolution 100, have been referred to the Committee of Families, Children and Seniors, where members will hear testimony and discuss the details of the legislation.