Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, commonly known as EBT cards, have been a high profile topic during the current legislative session. I think most Mainers agree that welfare programs such as EBT cards serve an important purpose and, when used appropriately, are an efficient way to provide basic support to Maine families in need.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Food Share, both utilize the EBT card. With that card, families who qualify can buy needed groceries, such as produce, dairy and other essentials for a healthy diet.
Sadly, that important benefit is being abused.
I am quite certain that strip clubs and liquor stores were not intended for the use of EBT cards under any scenario. In addition, it would appear that Maine recipients of funds through the EBT system have accessed those funds in all 50 states, and also the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Some politicians say that fighting against fraud is nothing more than “kicking people while they are down.” Current initiatives, however, are about making sure that the public’s tax dollars are being used to provide benefits to needy families instead of being misused.
Anything less than that standard is unacceptable.
It is the taxpayers who are being kicked while they are down, not the beneficiaries of the welfare programs.
I am happy to report that Gov. LePage and the commissioner of the Department of Health and Services, Mary Mayhew, are working hard to make sure that the funds allocated for Maine families to help meet basic needs are being used for that purpose.
Right now, the state is preventing the use of the EBT cards in a variety of places, including strip clubs, bars, casinos, liquor stores and smoke shops. In addition, the card also may not be used at a retail establishment where 50 percent of more of the gross revenue of the establishment is derived from the sale of liquor.
The accountability efforts continue, with greater scrutiny of accounts and location of withdrawal, increased enforcement of eligibility standards — including the work requirement (90 percent of all people on TANF need to be working at least 30 hours a week or consistently applying for jobs) — and an aggressive review of out-of-state activity.
An important point to remember is that welfare programs are for those who need help, and the state of Maine is very generous. We need to take every action to make sure the public’s tax dollars are going to the people who need it. And that is exactly what we are doing.
Sen. Jim Hamper, R-Oxford, is a first term senator representing District 13. He is a member of the Health and Human Services Committee.
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