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As state bureaucracy unwinds the many changes it made during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, West Virginia residents will see another return to "normal" July 1, when work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program resume for able-bodied adults without dependents.
The state Department of Health and Human Resources eased the requirement when residents were experiencing the harshest economic challenges created by the health emergency. But it is past time to make certain those who ask for state help are doing all they can to help themselves, too -- provided they are between 18-49, have no children or other qualifying dependents, and do not have a condition that would prevent them from working.
Goodness knows the shortage of workers in a number of fields here in the state would indicate there is employment available for many people who might not have had such an option a couple of years ago.
Caseworkers will still be available to speak with those who believe they should be exempted, of course. But the DHHR is right to reinstitute another incentive to get as many West Virginians back to work as possible. (Those same caseworkers can provide referral to the SNAP Employment and Training program, which can help with job placement and training.)
West Virginia employers need the workers, capable workers will benefit more than just financially from having a job, and taxpayer dollars can be refocused to help those who truly need the hand up. It is good to know DHHR is not delaying such a momentum shift any longer.