The Michigan House of Representatives moved Wednesday to tighten requirements around food and cash assistance by voting to mandate photos and signatures on all government-issued Bridge Cards. The vote split largely along party lines, with most Democrats in opposition and Republicans pushing the measure forward as a safeguard against fraud in the state’s multi-billion-dollar food assistance program.

Representative Jason Woolford, a Republican from Howell and the bill’s sponsor, argued the measure was necessary to ensure accountability and protect taxpayers footing the bill for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, and cash benefits administered through Bridge Cards. He said Michigan spends billions annually on these programs, and without more verification, errors an

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