Tech lag allows EBT misuseBoston Herald (http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_politics/2013/03/chief_tech_lag_allows_ebt_misuse)
The state’s top welfare official has admitted his agency doesn’t have the technology to prevent EBT cards from being used on booze, guns and porn, throwing into question the value of the highly touted EBT reforms that State House lawmakers passed last year — further proof that the state needs to tighten the rules even more, critics said.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,†said state Rep. Shaunna O’Connell (R-Taunton). “What we can do is stop these stores and businesses from accepting these cards if they sell alcohol or tattoos or are nail salons. The single biggest issue is the cash access, that people can still get cash.â€
The loophole, Health and Human Services Secretary John Polanowicz said last week, involves supermarkets, convenience stores and department stores that sell those things as well as EBT-eligible items — but there is no way the state’s cash card system can tell the difference.
Boston Herald (http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_politics/2013/03/chief_tech_lag_allows_ebt_misuse)
Safety net, hammock... what's the difference?
This sounds like a good argument as to why government stores are needed. The EBT Store, where all products are approved for welfare purchase. It would solve a bunch of the fraud problems.
This sounds like a good argument as to why government stores are needed. The EBT Store, where all products are approved for welfare purchase. It would solve a bunch of the fraud problems.