Michigan Democrats recently moved to expand welfare in two moves that state Republicans believe were motivated by the November election.

Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Wednesday’s bill would expand the state’s Family Independence Program (FIP), a cash assistance program for families with dependent children, from a maximum term of four years to five years, following an earlier move by the state Democratic Party. Expanded by lengthening. assigned An additional $20 million will be added to increase monthly payments paid through the FIP. Michigan is one of about seven battleground states likely to decide the outcome of the 2024 presidential election between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. neck and neck The New York Times poll averaged 15 electoral votes.

“With a close election on the horizon in our state, Michigan Democrats have decided to expand cash welfare,” Michigan Republican Rep. Rachel Smit told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “The safety net is supposed to catch people in trouble, help them find good jobs and regain their economic freedom. Democratic politicians are giving people more money to take longer out of work. I just voted to pay. This policy is clearly not designed to help Michiganders in their time of need. Rather, it’s more of a stunt aimed at buying votes for Democrats in November. I think so.” (Related: Gretchen Whitmer poised to sign bill to take money away from family caregivers to pay union leaders)

In addition to expanding FIP, the Michigan Democratic Party: passed A bill passed by the state Legislature in June would allow individuals collecting unemployment insurance to receive an additional six weeks of benefits per year. Beyond election concerns, some Michigan Republicans worry that Democrats’ welfare expansion efforts will make the state’s residents more dependent on government funding.

“The purpose of temporary safety net programs is to help families get back on their feet, but Democrats are trying to get people back on their feet and keep them out of work,” Michigan Republican Rep. Andrew Beeler told DCNF. “Instead of helping people get back to work as quickly as possible, Democrats are allowing recipients to receive cash for an extended period of time. We want to help people become self-sufficient, and keeping them dependent on hardworking taxpayers undermines our mission to help those in need.”

Americans’ dependence on the government for income has increased significantly over the past several decades. According to a study conducted by the Economic Innovation Group, government transfers accounted for just 8.2% of personal income in 1970, but more than doubled to 17.6% in 2022. In the majority of U.S. counties, more than a quarter of personal income comes from government transfers.

Presidential candidates of both parties have been reluctant to support cuts to government wealth transfer programs. Older people, who vote at higher rates, receive more income from programs like Social Security and Medicare.

Republican Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance and Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are their respective parties’ vice presidential candidates. approved The vice presidential debate on October 1st will increase cash benefits for child care.

Whitmer recently signed legislation encouraging family caregivers to join the Service Employees International Union. This is a labor group that has pledged to donate more than $200 million to help Democrats win the 2024 election.

“No one thinks now is the time to increase cash benefits and keep people on welfare indefinitely,” Michigan House Minority Leader Matt Hall told DCNF. “But a month before the election, Democrats did just that, all paid for by raising income taxes for all Michigan taxpayers. This waste and abuse of tax dollars must stop. No.”

Whitmer’s office did not immediately respond to DCNF’s request for comment.

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