Editorial: Welfare Cash - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorial: Welfare Cash

Posted: Updated:
By Collin R. Gaston - bio | email

  • Editorials

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:20:04 GMT
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:20:08 GMT
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:20:04 GMT
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    •   
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

The majority of those on welfare spend the money they receive on basic necessities for themselves and their families.  However there are some who use the cash they receive from their welfare debit cards on liquor, cigarettes, gambling, guns  and even entertainment at strip clubs - this according to a recent report by the House Ways and Means Committee.

In February, Congress included in the payroll tax cut legislation a provision requiring all states to prohibit purchases made with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits or (TANF) at casinos, liquor stores and adult entertainment establishments by 2014. States that do not comply will face cuts or lose this federal funding.  According to the National Conference of State Legislatures report Alabama has not yet taken any measures that would prohibit cash welfare recipients from spending money on these things.

Let's not wait until 2014. We in Alabama need to support strict legislation that institutes penalties for individuals who intentionally misuse cash welfare benefits up to an including surrendering your ability to ever collect those cash benefits again.  Additionally we must aggressively investigate any business that willfully accepts welfare cash for a non-food necessity.  For the record – cigarettes, black jack and a six pack are not necessities.  Call your legislators now and let them know that you want this practice to end.

Copyright 2012  WSFA 12 News.  All rights reserved.