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

Editorial: Welfare Cash

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By Collin R. Gaston - bio | email

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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.

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