Gov. Nixon withdraws proposed cuts to food stamp program

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Intro:	After criticism within his own party, Democratic Governor Jay Nixon is shutting down plans to cut an expansion of the state's food stamp program.
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Wrap: The governor's office ignored repeated calls about why Nixon is dropping cuts to Missouri's food stamp program.

The proposed cuts would have kept able-bodied, unemployed adults without dependents from receiving food stamps.

Nixon originally said this would prepare recipients for potential cuts in federal spending that would leave 58,000 Missourians ineligible for food stamps.

Democratic St. Louis City Senator Jamilah Nasheed supports Nixon, but says the state needs to address the source of the issue.

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Description: "If we truly have a problem with feeding the hungry by way of the government, then we need to create jobs for those individuals so they can feed themselves."

The reversal comes one week after the Congressional budget cut less from food programs than expected.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.

Intro:	Governor Jay Nixon is backtracking on plans to tighten food stamp eligibility that could have cut benefits for thousands in Missouri.
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Wrap: The governor's office failed to answer questions about why Nixon is reversing plans to cut funds from Missouri's food stamp program.

The proposal would have kept able-bodied, unemployed adults without dependents from receiving food stamps.

Nixon originally said this would prepare recipients for potential cuts in federal spending.

Missouri Food Bank Association Director Scott Baker says keeping current policy in place is the right thing to do.

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Description: "The current system that is going to be maintained understands and acknowledges the continuing challenges that we see in this economic recovery."

Nixon's announcement comes one week after the Congressional budget cut less than expected from the food program.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.

Intro:	After backlash from fellow Democrats, Governor Jay Nixon is reversing plans to limit food stamp eligibility.
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Wrap: Democratic St. Louis City Senator Jamilah Nasheed is glad Missouri's governor is cancelling plans to change Missouri's food stamp program.

She says cuts would have hurt recipients struggling to find work.

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Description: "I truly believe that individuals would rather have a job making two to three hundred dollars every week versus a two hundred dollar a month SNAP program check."

The proposal would have kept able-bodied, unemployed adults without dependents from receiving food stamps.

That describes 58,000 people currently receiving food stamps in Missouri.

The governor's 180-degree reversal comes one week after the Congressional budget less from food programs than expected.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.