Food Stamp Waiver Progresses in New Jersey

Gov. Chris Christie says he has reached a compromise over work requirements for food aid.

The Republican conditionally vetoed a bill Monday that would have required the state to apply for a waiver to requirements for so-called able-bodied adults without dependents for what were once known as food stamps.

He says he reached an agreement with Democratic state Sen. Joseph Vitale that will require the commissioner of the state Department of Human Services to review annual employment data to decide whether to apply for the waiver.

Vitale says he accepts Christie's compromise.

The state said in December it could not continue the waiver because the economy improved, but later was granted an extension for penalties.

Under the new policy, about 11,000 people will no longer qualify for the exemption from a 20-hour-per-week work requirement.