JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said he has concerns about a bill passed by lawmakers that would reduce how long people can receive welfare benefits.
Nixon said Wednesday he agrees with the need for personal responsibility by adults but is concerned about the bill's effect on children in families whose benefits would get cut.
The will would reduce the lifetime limit for receiving benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program from five years to three years and nine months.
The Department of Social Services estimates 3,155 families currently in the program would lose benefits when the bill takes effect next January.
Nixon has not directly said whether he will veto the bill. He has until early May to decide whether to sign it into law.