Peters introduced legislation, wrote letter to Governor and worked to help families facing tough economic challenges in the Greater Detroit region

Pontiac, MI - Last night, news broke that Governor Rick Snyder will revise his asset test rules to exempt the first vehicle Michigan families own when they are applying for food assistance. Snyder's current rules took effect on October 1st. On October 18th, Rep. Gary Peters introduced the Eliminate Auto Test Act (EAT Act) which would prevent states from asset testing vehicle ownership when determining whether families qualify for food assistance. Then on October 25th, Rep. Peters sent a letter to Governor Snyder urging that he reconsider his position. In the letter, Peters stated:

“As you know, Michigan is lacking in reliable public transportation. Most families are in situations where one or two household vehicles is a necessity, not a luxury. People need cars to get to work, to seek employment, to transport their children, and to take care of daily necessities. Imposing vehicle value limits may require families to face a choice between eating and finding employment.”

And then last night, news broke that Governor Snyder was revising his position to meet Peters halfway by exempting the first car families own from an asset test.

“I'm glad that Governor Snyder has decided to meet us halfway on this issue and I think this will help a lot of people in the Greater Detroit area,” said Congressman Gary Peters. “Families shouldn't have to choose between having a car to find and maintain a job or food assistance, so I'm glad that Governor Snyder has recognized and addressed this problem. I would have preferred that Michigan join the majority of states by not asset testing vehicles at all, but I'm glad we could work together to get this fix implemented.”
 
You can read Rep. Peters initial press release on the EAT Act by clicking here.
 
You can read Rep. Peters 10/25 letter to Governor Snyder by clicking here.
 
You can read a fact sheet on the EAT Act by clicking here.

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