In another piece of earth-shattering news, it turns out that when you make work a requirement of welfare, the number of people on welfare drops.

Stunning.

The latest bit of evidence to that effect: According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, since a work mandate was added to the food stamp program in the state of Georgia, thousands of enrollees have dropped off.

The mandatory work feature of the food stamp program in Georgia applies in 21 counties of the state, at present. Of the 11,779 people enrolled in those 21 counties last year, it’s estimated that 7,251 have dropped out since the work requirement went into effect.

In the counties where it applies, benefits recipients must be on the job a minimum of 20 hours each week. The requirement may also be satisfied if a recipient is enrolled in a job training program that’s approved by the state, or by doing volunteer work at a non-profit organization or charity that is also state-approved.

While the work component of the food stamp program has unsurprisingly come under fire from progressive groups, many, including state Rep. Greg Morris, cite it as an effective mechanism by which Georgia can be smarter with tax dollars and help citizens to become more responsible.

“This is about protecting taxpayer dollars from abuse, and taking people off the cycle of dependency,” said Morris, who also notes that the substantial drop in the number of Georgians on food stamp rolls “shows how tax dollars are abused when it comes to entitlements.”

By Robert G. Yetman, Jr. Editor At Large