Kentucky House votes to change child labor laws, food stamp recipient requirements

Republican-Backed Measures Pass in Kentucky House Despite Democratic Opposition

Republican-backed measures to relax child labor rules and tighten food stamp eligibility standards won passage Thursday in the Kentucky House over impassioned objections from Democrats.

In back-to-back votes, both bills advanced to the GOP-dominated Senate after long debates in the House, where Republicans also have a supermajority. Democratic lawmakers branded the proposals as harsh for low-income and young Kentuckians, while Republicans said the measures reflect policies that value work.

Stricter Standards for Food Stamp Eligibility

One bill would insert income and asset tests for Kentuckians applying for benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and would impose work requirements for able-bodied adults with no dependents. SNAP helps low-income families supplement their budgets so they can buy groceries.

Addressing Workforce and Childcare Crises

Republican Rep. Wade Williams said his bill would close loopholes that he portrayed as deterrents to getting more people into jobs, contributing to the state’s stubbornly low workforce participation rate. It’s a constant complaint he hears from employers struggling to find enough workers, he said.

Concerns Over Impact on Low-Income Kentuckians

Opponents warned that tens of thousands of low-income Kentuckians would lose food assistance under the stricter standards, putting them at greater risk of struggling to get enough to eat. The impact would go beyond able-bodied adults to affect young and elderly people as well, they said.

Relaxing State Restrictions on Child Labor

The other bill that cleared the House after a prolonged debate would relax state restrictions on child labor. It would remove the cap on the number of hours older teens can work on school nights. The bill also would bar Kentucky’s top labor officials from setting child labor standards that exceed minimum federal protections.

Debate Over the Bills

Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns about the potential negative consequences of these bills. They argued that stricter food stamp eligibility standards would lead to increased hunger among low-income families and that relaxing child labor rules could negatively impact teenagers’ education.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to eradicate poverty, promote decent work and economic growth, and ensure zero hunger. It is important for policymakers to consider these goals when making decisions that affect vulnerable populations, such as low-income families and young workers.

Conclusion

The passage of these Republican-backed measures in the Kentucky House highlights the ongoing debates surrounding issues of poverty, workforce participation, and access to essential resources. While proponents argue that these measures promote work and personal responsibility, opponents raise concerns about the potential negative impacts on vulnerable populations. As policymakers continue to address these issues, it is crucial to prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals and strive for inclusive and equitable solutions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mentioned above. The article discusses proposed measures that could affect low-income individuals and families, their access to food assistance programs, child labor rules, and workforce participation rates. These issues are directly related to poverty reduction (SDG 1), ensuring access to nutritious food (SDG 2), providing quality education (SDG 4), and promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
• Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular, the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under the mentioned SDGs can be identified. These targets include implementing social protection systems (Target 1.3), ending hunger and ensuring access to nutritious food (Target 2.1), providing quality education (Target 4.1), and achieving full and productive employment (Target 8.5).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of the population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and vulnerable.
• Indicator 2.1.2: Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population, based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES).
• Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.

The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the proportion of the population covered by social protection systems (Indicator 1.3.1), prevalence of food insecurity (Indicator 2.1.2), proficiency levels in reading and mathematics (Indicator 4.1.1), and average hourly earnings by occupation and demographic groups (Indicator 8.5.1).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: foxnews.com

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