By Katie Kreider
Two state senators from opposite parties and different sides of the state announced March 4 that they had come together on legislation that would prohibit the use of electronic welfare cards at certain places, such as casinos and liquor stores.
Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-St. Louis County, announced she decided to work with Sen. Will Kraus, R-Jackson County, on a bill she opposed last session.
Last year Kraus proposed a similar bill that would require photo identification to get food stamps. Chappelle-Nadal argued the bill would hurt her constituents who rely on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families fund for support.
However, Chappelle-Nadal said she decided to work with Kraus this year after she learned that people were abusing the TANF fund.
"These funds are supposed to be used for families who are in need and for children who are in need," Chappelle-Nadal said. "So when I found out that these cards were being used for casinos and at strip clubs and out of town for possible vacations, I was dismayed."
The bipartisan bill would limit Electronic Benefits Transfer cards from being used for liquor, strip clubs, casinos and other recreational activities.
This bill is similar to a federal law passed in 2013 that would regulate the use of TANF welfare cards at casinos, strip clubs and to buy liquor and tobacco. This legislation takes it one step further by also regulating all recreational activities such as going to the movies or to amusement parks.
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