By State Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) -
Have you ever witnessed at the grocery store an individual purchasing alcohol or lottery tickets with a link card? I have. Have you ever heard of an individual using a link card as a tool to bail them out of jail? I have, and I confirmed this instance with local law enforcement.
The current welfare system in Illinois is misused and abused. The welfare system is intended to provide assistance to individuals who need it most. Taxpayer funds should not be used to purchase alcohol, lottery tickets, or be used as a get out of jail free card.
In March I introduced House Bill 2784 to prohibit individuals from purchasing items with their link card such as alcohol and lottery tickets under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program . TANF is intended to provide financial assistance to help pay for basic needs such as food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical, however according to DHS a person is free to spend this cash however they feel. Currently a person can retrieve their cash benefits as cash back at a grocery store or by using an ATM. The average TANF cash grant statewide is $242 a month.
In addition to my welfare reform bill, recently House Republican lawmakers, unveiled a package of legislation designed to reduce fraud and misuse of the state’s welfare system. The welfare reform package focuses on reducing the fraudulent use of LINK cards (food stamps) and preventing criminals from receiving welfare benefits.
The cost of welfare in Illinois is skyrocketing, while at the same time our state can’t afford to pay its own bills. We must act fast and eliminate the fraud, misuse and abuse of our welfare system. We must say no to taxpayer funds being utilized to purchase alcohol, lottery tickets, or be used as a get out of jail free card. The goal of this welfare reform package is to save taxpayer dollars and preserve benefits for those who need help the most.
