Politics & Government
Gov. Nixon Signs Law to Prevent Welfare Misuse
The new law sets limits on how welfare recipients can use their benefits in the state of Missouri.
Aja J. Junior posted the article. Maggie Rotermund reported and wrote the story.
A bill that bars welfare recipients from using their benefits at liquor stores, casinos, strip clubs and athletic events, was signed into law Monday by Gov. Jay Nixon. The bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, and Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit.
Chappelle-Nadal also represents a portion of Hazelwood.
Senat Bill 251 prohibits recipients of temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) benefits from using those funds in any electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transaction in any liquor store, casino, gambling casino or gaming establishment, any adult-oriented establishment or in any place or for any item that is primarily marketed for or used by adults eighteen or older and/or is not in the best interests of the child or household.
Any TANF recipient who violates this provision is required to reimburse the Department of Social Services for such purchases, according to a statement from Chappelle-Nadal.
Sen. Chappelle-Nadal's full statement reads as follows:
“Prior to this year, Sen. Kraus and I were in a deadlock because he insisted on requiring photos on TANF cards and I promised to filibuster his bill since it causes many of the same problems as photo ID requirements do in elections. Just as photo ID requirements reduce minority voter turnout, photo ID requirements on TANF cards would make it more difficult for some to receive benefits. Luckily, Sen. Kraus had a change of heart and decided to work with me to protect those who really need the assistance while making it very difficult for people to misuse these state tax dollars. Our bill encourages the Department of Social Services to create an investigative structure to prevent these funds from being used in casinos, liquor stores and other inappropriate places. By signing our bill, the governor continues his policy and legacy of targeting fraud and abuse of state tax dollars.”
The bill will go into effect Aug. 28, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. To read the full Post-Dispatch story, click here.
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