It is also a reflection of our priorities as a people. It must be protected at all costs. So when it came time to reform welfare, we knew what we would not do. States can set tougher penalties for violations by clients, even violations in other programs. But for every wrist that needs to be slapped, there's a hand that needs to be held.
States can use food stamp benefits to support their clients' wages.
Some States can even convert food stamps to cash for public assistance households with substantial, sustained earnings. You also have more authority to couple TANF requirements with Food Stamp benefits. Let's say a single mother has just found that entry level job. We don't have to make her choose between work and welfare. She can take that job and you have more flexibility to support her.