By Andrew M. Seder, Times Leader Staff Writer

While a Department of Public Welfare spokeswoman says she's certain an asset test for food stamps will be reinstated this year, some legislators want to bring the plan to a halt.

Under federal law, Pennsylvania has the right to administer an asset test, but is not required to so. Thirteen states now administer an asset test, said Anne Bale, a department spokeswoman.

"Some Democratic legislators, including two who represent portions of Luzerne County, are trying to derail the plan.

Bryan Schwartzman, Jewish Exponent Staff

The organized Jewish community is going up against Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett in an effort to stand up for food stamp recipients.

The public opposition to the governor reflects an unusual situation for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the Harrisburg-based Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, groups that generally tend to work behind the scenes to lobby for their causes.

By Angela Couloumbis, Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau

HARRISBURG - With 5.8 million Pennsylvanians working full-time to support 2.7 million people on public assistance, the state is on a clear "collision course," Gov. Corbett's top welfare official said Tuesday.

"We have to do something," Welfare Secretary Gary Alexander said in defeding funding cuts and program rollbacks proposed for his department.

(CBS News) More than 12 million Americans are still unemployed and a lot of them depend on food stamps. But even with that assistance, CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano tell us many are struggling to get by.

Sixty-four-year-old John Manton can't afford to keep his refrigerator full these days.

"I have my bread and a piece of ham from a canned ham," he said.

By William Brangham

The number jumps out at you: More than 46 million Americans — one in seven of us — gets help from the federal government to feed ourselves and our families.