Welfare recipients could not use their state-issued debit cards to draw cash from ATMs at casinos or buy lottery tickets, alcohol and tobacco under legislation approved Wednesday by the Michigan House.
Some key bills in the package were approved 108-0 and next go to the Senate. The legislation relates to the use of Michigan Bridge cards, which are used like debit cards for state food assistance and cash programs. There are an estimated 1.3 million of the cards in circulation across the state.
Wednesday's votes continue a trend of cracking down on what some Michigan lawmakers, especially Republicans that hold the majority in Legislature, consider misuse of the state's welfare system.
"It's about making sure that we take care of any potential fraud or abuse in the Bridge Card system," said Ari Adler, a spokesman for Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger. "The system needs to exist for those who truly need it. And the only way to keep it viable is to protect it."
Food assistance recipients could still gamble and buy liquor and tobacco, but could not use their state-issued cards funded with taxpayer money to do it.
Monthly food assistance in Michigan is based on income, how many people are in their household and other criteria. Funds are made available on a debit card swiped through electronic reader when buying groceries.
Wednesday's votes continue a trend of cracking down on what some Michigan lawmakers, especially Republicans that hold the majority in Legislature, consider misuse of the state's welfare system.
"It's about making sure that we take care of any potential fraud or abuse in the Bridge Card system," said Ari Adler, a spokesman for Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger. "The system needs to exist for those who truly need it. And the only way to keep it viable is to protect it."
Food assistance recipients could still gamble and buy liquor and tobacco, but could not use their state-issued cards funded with taxpayer money to do it.
Monthly food assistance in Michigan is based on income, how many people are in their household and other criteria. Funds are made available on a debit card swiped through electronic reader when buying groceries.
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