Public Assistance Integrity Act Legislation Co-Sponsored by Senator Grisanti Passes State Senate

“I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation which would protect your tax dollars and stop the abuse in the welfare program. Using your tax dollars to support a transaction at a liquor store, casino or strip club is not only inappropriate but it goes against the intent of the welfare program,” said Senator Mark Grisanti.

The legislation would cut down on the flagrant abuse of EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards by prohibiting welfare recipients from using cash assistance to purchase tobacco, alcoholic beverages, lottery tickets or to gamble.

In addition, New York faces an important deadline: By Feb. 22, the state must show the federal government how we’re going to prevent welfare fraud and abuse from EBT cards. If the State does not act, NY will stand to lose more than $120 million in federal Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) New York spends over $2.7 billion each year administering Cash Assistance.

To read the full bill, click here: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S966-2013

 Below is a video of Senator Grisanti Speaking on The Public Assistance Integrity Act

To watch a video of Senator Grisanti speaking on The Public Assistance Integrity Act, click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6RTB-BB_xI