Congress Bans Access to Welfare Cash From ATMs Within Liquor Stores, Stripclubs and Casinos
- Posted on February 20, 2012 at 5:31pm by
Christopher Santarelli
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Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards have essentially replaced traditional food stamps in many states. While intended to aid the needy for food and basic needs, the NBC New York “I-Team” discovered that among more than 7 million ATM withdrawals using EBT cards, more than $95,000 was withdrawn in Atlantic City over the last two years, including from ATMs in casinos, and thousands were withdrawn from liquor stores and stripclubs in New York:
A ban on EBT card withdrawals from ATMs in casinos, liquor stores, and stripclubs was included in the Payroll Tax Cut Bill which passed in House and is waiting for President Obama’s signature. NBC New York notes that the measure of the bill regarding EBT card withdrawals was opposed by some Democrats.
“What stops people from going to Whole Foods and using their EBT card there and then going to the casino?” said Rep. Gwen Moore during Congressional debate before the bill’s passing.
NBC notes that one Queens stripclub called “Perfection” accounted for 15 ATM withdrawals using EBT cards totaling more than $1,000.
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Valuable
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 3:55pmI agree that the EBT cards should not be able to be used for getting cash out of an ATM. WIC uses a system that strictly regulates the products that can be purchased so why can’t EBT cards??? Both programs are under the Dept. of Agriculture. IMO, this is a fixable problem since the DoA is already regulating a food program via the states. This is another example of a Government program doing the exact opposite of it’s original intent- helping those in a tough spot to eat VS. wasting tax dollars on gambling and strippers.
Report Post »Tom70
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:52pmHow about drug testing for anyone receiving welfare or Unemployment. I have to be drugtested to keep my job, so I can pay for the freeloaders.
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:02pmI’m on board. I would also suggest depo-provera or norplant insertions during the application phase. If there were a similar male long term contraceptive I would be for that as well, Paternity tests, if we could find a way to get the mother to come up with a possible source donor. All of that would be considered a violation of this and that, but then you don’t have to apply for welfare either. Perhaps, you could encourage people into receiving long term contraception if you told them they would lose their benefits (I hate that word in this context) if they became pregnant.
Report Post »2theADDLED
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 2:25pmHow about drug testing before you Vote ?
Report Post »That will tick off the Paulbots.
They really need to do away with Cash payout on the EBT cards as it will still end up supporting what they wish to stop. Why not ban seniors recieving Social Security from casino’s or from buying Lottery tickets.
If it feeds their need nothing will be done.
dmerwin
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:45pmHow about a return to commodities? Barring that food stamps should be like WIC in which you cannot buy Chips, Soda (sports drinks and “vitamin water”, Frozen meals, Ice cream and cookies etc. You could buy the products to make those things but not processed food. No meat over $5/pound. I find it ridiculous to be frugal with my cash to buy my food and then see my tax dollars used to buy junk food which is expensive and low in nutrition.
Report Post »Harpotoo
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 11:46amThere would not be any real problems with the FS program if real Food Stamps like the Old Days were still used instead of friggn ATM cards. The old way when those using the stamps were frowned upon and the user felt shamedl was the QUICKest way to get a person OFF of FSs!
Report Post »melthemean
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 10:53amEBT cards should only be used to buy food and only at certain location in your city, like a PX. These would be huge warehouses with no frills and no displays. All items would be generic (white packaging with black letters) and your choices would be limited when it came to snacks and desserts. No gourmet items, filet mignon or lobster. You would be encouraged to buy items to prepare your own meals (with the help of Michelle Obama’s eating healthy cookbook – free).
Perhaps if people on government assistance had to shop in a government-type warehouse, they would be more aware of the source of their income and their lack of choices under that system.
Report Post »Harpotoo
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 11:51amThey should only be allowed to be used a super market cash registers period! And if you’re in a real destitute area, well I guess the local Convenience Store cash register only would have to do. They shouldn’t be able to be used at an ATM period!
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:52pmThis is a very good idea. Though the logistics may be costly. See my post for an alternative.
Report Post »PPMStudios
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:14amTHAT’S RACIST!!
Just wait, it’s coming…..
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:51amsHOULDN‘T THAT HAVE BEEN IN THE PROVISIONS FROM WELFARE’S CONCEPTION
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 8:24amSo they’re banning welfare cash from liquor stores casinos and strip clubs,and guess what they’ll just think of a way around the new law.The only way to stop the fraud 100% is end the unconstitutional program,it’s immoral to take by force through government from one and give to another.
Report Post »mickie4
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:39amDoesn’t BHO have the line item veto? He’ll probably cross this item out of the bill…..just wait and see.
Report Post »poorrichard09
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 8:02amWhy don’t they just ban cash withdrawals- the cards are supposed to be for FOOD.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:54amWhy don’t they just ban cash withdrawals- the cards are supposed to be for FOOD.
I agree in fact stop giving out cards and go back to FOOD STAMPS make it obvious to the public who is and isn’t on welfare. Make it embarrassing and inconvient as well by banning certain items for food stamp purchase as well.
Report Post »The American People
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:08amOh no, what are the pimps and drug dealers going to do now? they’ll have to go back to beating gullible women and using their drug money to buy food.
Report Post »tharpdevenport
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:08am“What stops people from going to Whole Foods and using their EBT card there and then going to the casino?” said Rep. Gwen Moore during Congressional debate before the bill’s passing.
What stops then from doing that in the first place, after all people go shopping before gambling. It’s called LAZINESS.
His argument is like saying:
What stops Muslim extremists from killing you over there, if you can just as easily kill you over here, so we might as well just let them have access to killing you.
This is Birtish parliment stupidity.
Report Post »Ben__Franklin
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:55amThey know who’s cards are being used in these places. All they have to do is cut these people off the system, but that would be too easy and cost the Demorapes votes.
Report Post »ColoradoMaverick
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:51amBrilliant. Now they will have to go next door to the 7-11. How about making it mandatory for all people who apply for welfare to be screened for drugs. How about making sure anyone who collects welfare is actively looking for work?
Report Post »Brooke Lorren
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 4:44pmWhat do you do about the people who are already working full time jobs? Should they be actively working for a better paying job?
Report Post »Concerned Green Beret
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 4:06amWhy would congress want to stigmatise these poor, helpless, government reliant people in such a harsh manner? Now they will have to find an alternative way to rip us off. What a shame!!
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 3:59amCan the people in Congress really be this Stupid… and think this is The FIX?
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 3:37amThis is obviously a good rule that makes sense, except that it’s the national Congress making regulations about how state welfare money can be disbursed. Anyone who applauds this is being a hypocrite if they turn around and complain on Constitutional principle about federal gun laws, federal election laws, federal education regulations, or any other Congressional bill that seeks to meddle with responsibilities of the states for our own good, based on a loose and overreaching interpretation of the general welfare clause
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:56amThe federal government doesn’t issue me a gun, so they have no right to regulate it. The federal government does, however issue EBT (Welfare) cards, so they do have a right to say what the money gets spent on. You don’t like it, don’t go on welfare to support your liquor or strip club habits. If you’re bad enough to need goberment assistance (and yes, I spelled it that way on purpose), you shouldn’t be spending your money on booze and boobs anyway. And besides, my gun is my business, but I help pay for welfare recipients with my taxes.
Report Post »2theADDLED
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 2:27pm@ loriann12
Report Post »If the Government gives you healthcare can they tell you that they decide who lives and who dies ?
Chet Hempstead
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 3:51pmloriann12
Report Post »Ihe federal government only issues EBT cards to people receiving federal benefits, which they certainly have a right to regulate. As I understand it, this bill would also apply to cards issued by individual states. I agree with you that your guns should not be any business of the federal government, but I do have to pay taxes for the police to deal with crimes committed by people who buy guns in other states, and that would be the only excuse Congress would need under their typically loose reading of the general welfare and interstate commerce clauses.
proudamerican1990
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 3:29amHow about just deactivating the card if its used at any of those locations. You can afford a strip club you can afford food.
Report Post »pamela kay
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:54amPROUDAMERICAN1990, Exactly. Besides does this have to go through the senate next? Why should they get cash to begin with? I don’t get it.
Report Post »1casawizard
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 2:56amI’m cancelling my flight to vegas until I collect more scrap, now.
Report Post »1casawizard
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 2:39amThis ****** me off, buddy. I’m calling Harry.
Report Post »SHOWMESTATEGUY
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 2:38amI can just hear the welfare people saying, ” Damn, why doesn’t the government stay out of my business?”
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