MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Legislature’s budget committee has approved Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal reducing the number of years adults can receive welfare benefits. The Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee approved the change Thursday. The panel is working on changes to Walker’s budget before it goes to the full Senate and Assembly for debate, likely in June. Democrats objected to the change, but were outvoted 12-4. Walker’s proposal would lower from five to four years the total period that adults can receive welfare benefits over their lifetime under the Wisconsin Works program. Federal law sets a five-year limit, but states are allowed to make it shorter. The average person stays on the program for just short of two years. The change would save Wisconsin $3 million over two years.
