JEFFERSON CITY — Today (3-4) in the Missouri, Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, took part in a press conference to discuss Senate Bill 251, his current measure to limit public assistance abuse and fraud.
“In today’s difficult economic situation, there are Missourians who need assistance,” said Sen. Kraus. “However, that federal aid is for the benefit of the family as a whole, to provide the necessities of life, not for other uses.”
There are several provisions within SB 251 aimed at putting a stop to abuses made to the current welfare system. Under the act, EBT cards for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) would be prohibited from use in liquor stores, casinos, gambling establishments, adult-oriented businesses, recreation venues, sporting venues, or to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco or lottery tickets at any time. The measure also realigns the penalties for criminal abuse of TANF benefits.
“There have been too many occasions when people use TANF benefits as currency,” said Sen. Kraus. “Paying for services with money intended for family assistance is, at best definition, fraud and cannot be allowed to continue. When combined with the use of benefit funds for items such as alcohol or gambling, we simply must come up with a way to curb this abuse. Senate Bill 251 would be huge step toward guaranteeing honest use.”
This legislation is co-sponsored by Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City. To help curb public assistance fraud and abuse, Sen. Kraus also sponsored legislation last year that would have required the use of a photo identification in order to use and continue eligibility for the food stamp program. The legislation filed this year is a compromise designed to apply federal law with additional prevention measures in place
A hearing to present testimony on SB 251 is scheduled this evening, either upon recess or adjournment, in the Senate Lounge.
For more information on this legislation, or to see any of Sen. Kraus’ bills for 2013, please visit www.senate.mo.gov/kraus. |
