Money meant to help families on welfare provide the necessities of life are apparently being used inappropriately by some recipients.
On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, members of the U.S. House of Representatives began debating HB 3567 and will vote on whether or not to amend title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to implement policies to prevent assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) from being used in strip clubs, casinos, and liquor stores.
Through its divisions and program units, TANF provides assistance and work opportunities to needy families by granting states, territories, and tribes with federal funds and the flexibility to develop and implement their own welfare programs. Its aim is to promote work, responsibilities, and self-sufficiency.
States receive block grants and oversee approved activities. Purchases by recipients are made using state-issued debit cards. However, an investigation by Rep. Charles Boustany Jr (R-La) has found that some recipients of the cards used them for gambling, alcohol and adult entertainment. He cited reports of welfare abuses in just eight states totaled millions of dollars. According to The Hill, Boustany does not want to reduce spending directly but rather to restrict how the recipients use the money.
The bill Republican leaders are bringing to the House floor will prevent welfare recipients’ from accessing or spending their benefits at:
- liquor stores
- casinos, gambling casinos or gaming establishments
- retail establishments which provide adult entertainment
- establishments where performers disrobe or perform in an unclosed state for entertainment.
HB 3567 will be in a package of bills included in the final agreement extending the payroll tax cuts.
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