Latest news, weather and high school sports for Albany and Southwest Georgia

LANSING, MICH. (AP) -- A four-year limit for families receiving welfare benefits was passed Wednesday by the Michigan Senate.

The measure passed 24-12 with Democrats voting as a bloc to oppose it, according to The Detroit News.

The state House already had approved welfare limits legislation and will have to agree to changes made in the Senate. The measure then goes to Republican Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature before becoming law.

Critics say the limits would boot some needy families off public assistance.

It "will result in families losing much needed assistance in the worst economic downturn in years," said Sen. Vincent Gregory, a Democrat from Southfield. "We should be lifting up our families and encouraging them to self-sufficiency. Ninety percent of these families are working poor . often trying to support children and just barely getting by. We are pushing these families to homelessness."

About 12,600 families would be removed from welfare rolls by Oct. 1, saving the state more than $77 million. The legislation reflects welfare limits approved earlier this year as part of the state budget plan.

Michigan's current law has a similar time limit but it has more exceptions than the revised plan. The current law is due to expire in late September.

“Half of these females take it for granted. They think they can sit on their behind all day and let the system pay them,” said Natalie Fletcher.

“Lifetime. I've got five kids, I need all the help I can get,” said Sadeirdra Canady

“Some people think its entitlement and they will stay on and ride that horse till the end of the race. At some point and time, you need to accept responsibility for your actions. They are your kids and it’s your responsibility to take care of them not the state,” said Ben Marshall.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)