New Mexico is pushing back the timeline for certain low-income adults who will have to meet work and job-training requirements to remain eligible for food stamps.
State Human Services Secretary Brent Earnest told The Associated Press on Tuesday his department decided to delay implementation of the requirements and make some changes in response to concerns voiced during recent public meetings.
Social service advocates have argued that many people stand to lose their benefits because there aren't enough jobs or meaningful training opportunities in the poverty-stricken state.
The final rules will be published Friday, and Earnest says the delay in implementation will give the state and the 60,000 recipients who will be affected more time to prepare.
The requirements will be phased in starting Jan. 1 for adults without children. Adults who are responsible for children under the age of 13 will be exempt.
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