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Michigan House Votes to Require Photos and Signatures on Bridge Cards

September 19, 2025

The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed a bill requiring photos and signatures on Bridge Cards used for food and cash assistance programs, with Republicans supporting the measure as an anti-fraud initiative and Democrats opposing it. The legislation's sponsor, Representative Jason Woolford, argued it would protect taxpayer funds in Michigan's multi-billion-dollar assistance programs, citing the state's 8% SNAP benefits overpayment rate reported by the USDA. However, Democrats countered that implementing these requirements would cost millions while producing negligible savings according to a House Fiscal Agency analysis, pointing to West Virginia's $10 million expenditure for a similar program with little evidence of fraud reduction.

Who is affected

  • Recipients of food and cash assistance using Bridge Cards
  • Michigan taxpayers funding these assistance programs
  • Low-income families who may face additional barriers to accessing benefits
  • The state agency responsible for administering benefits
  • Families currently being underpaid benefits (1.5% underpayment rate)

What action is being taken

  • The Michigan House of Representatives is advancing legislation to require photos and signatures on Bridge Cards
  • The bill is moving from the House to the Michigan Senate for consideration
  • Democrats are actively opposing the measure based on cost concerns and limited fraud prevention benefits
  • Republicans are pushing the measure forward as a way to combat fraud in public assistance programs

Why it matters

  • Michigan spends billions annually on food and cash assistance programs
  • The state has an 8% overpayment rate and a 1.5% underpayment rate for SNAP benefits
  • Implementation costs are projected to run into millions annually while savings are expected to be "indeterminate, but likely negligible"
  • The debate reflects fundamental disagreements about balancing program integrity with accessibility for vulnerable residents
  • The initiative could add administrative burdens and potentially stigmatize benefit recipients

What's next

  • The bill now heads to the Michigan Senate, where Democrats hold control and have signaled skepticism
  • The Senate will decide whether Michigan joins states like West Virginia in requiring photos and signatures on benefit cards

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle