Louisiana Rules Welfare Money Cannot be Spent on Alcohol, Cigarettes, Lottery
People receiving welfare benefits in Louisiana will not be
able to spend the money on alcohol, cigarettes or lottery tickets, the
state’s social services department has announced.
The regulations ban the use of welfare electronic benefits cards at
liquor stores, strips clubs and gambling sites, in order to comply with a
recently passed federal law, according to TheTownTalk.com.
The Middle Class Relief and Job Creation Act, passed by Congress in
February 2012, prohibits the use of benefits in liquor stores, gaming
establishments and adult-oriented entertainment establishments.
Louisiana expanded the rule to prohibit the purchase of tobacco, alcohol
or lottery tickets at any retailer.
The rules apply to two programs that provide cash assistance to
low-income families for food, clothing and housing, the article notes.
Anyone who violates the new rule will not receive welfare benefits for a
year for the first offense, two years for a second and permanently for a
third.
It may be difficult to track violations, because money can be taken
off the electronic benefits card through an ATM. State officials said
they will rely on businesses and the public to report suspected
violations of the rule. The state will also randomly review transactions
for possible use at prohibited locations.
“Today’s rule helps ensure that the assistance being received is
being used for the purpose intended – to help a family meet their basic
needs,” Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Secretary
Suzy Sonnier said in a statement.
“Today’s rule does not impact or hurt families who are using the
benefits as intended each month, but instead target those who use the
funds for purposes never intended by the program. This rule puts in
place the type of accountability expected by the public, and is simply
just common sense.”
