An
Alabama state senator is pushing a bill that would prohibit Alabamians from
using welfare benefits to buy booze, cigarettes, and gas.
 |
| Alabama Sen. Arthur Orr |
Is
this the type of bills that needs to be discussed in a time such as this?
Alabama has bigger issues that need to be addressed than this. Let’s file bills
that will create jobs, bring in revenue for the state, affordable healthcare
and fix our educational system.
Sen.
Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, prefiled a bill for the 2013 session that would prohibit
people from using their benefits in, or making cash withdrawals at, bars,
casinos, tattoo parlors, strip clubs or facilities that offer psychic services.
The proposal also would prohibit people from using the benefits to buy
alcoholic beverages and cigarettes and fine any business that lets them do so.
"I
think to prevent some of these, or all of these, type transactions would
hopefully mean the money will go where it is intended to go, which is for the
support of the children," Orr said.
Lawmakers
in states across the country are trying to implement restrictions on the use of
welfare benefits. Saying they are trying to prevent the waste and abuse of
taxpayer money, at least 10 states have implemented new policies or laws, while
opponents question the enforceability or need for the measures at all.
Assistance
to poor families comes mainly from two programs -- Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps; and Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families, which is commonly thought of as welfare.
Orr's
bill goes further than the national legislation, with additional restrictions
and penalties for violators. Violators would be disqualified from receiving
cash or EBT benefits for one month on a first offense; three months on a second
violation and permanently on a third violation.
A
person or business that lets a person buy alcohol or tobacco products with the
benefits would be fined: $100 for the first violation, $500 for the second
violation within five years and $1,000 for a third violation within five years.
A
House Democrat questioned and disagree of the need for such a bill. "It's
Republican rhetoric. That is all it is," said Rep. John Rogers,
D-Birmingham.
Since
Republicans have taken control of legislatures in many states, they have a
witch hunt on the states poor and middle class.
