Governor Signs Reed Welfare Reform Proposal Into Law
Change prohibits the use of welfare to purchase alcohol
The governor recently signed into law a bill containing a welfare reform proposal championed by Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana). The new law – Act 54 of 2009 – will prohibit welfare recipients from using public assistance dollars to purchase alcohol.
“This is a commonsense reform that will ensure welfare dollars are used for their intended purpose,” Reed said. “Taxpayers deserve to know that their dollars will not be used by a welfare recipient to purchase alcohol. This new law protects the interests of taxpayers while ensuring welfare dollars will go to those truly in need.”
Reed’s reform will prevent state liquor stores and beer distributorships from accepting electronic benefit cards (EBTs), which are part of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s (DPW) cash assistance and food stamp programs.
“Before the welfare department can hand out a dollar, the state must first take it from a hard-working Pennsylvanian,” Reed said. “Our welfare system must not only serve those in need, but it must also be accountable to those paying the bills. Pennsylvanians are charitable people, but generosity often turns to anger when they think they are being taken advantage of.”
Reed initially introduced his reform as a stand-alone bill in the House. It was later amended onto another piece of legislation – Senate Bill 47 – which was approved by both chambers of the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor. The process of amending one reform onto another bill dealing with similar issues is not uncommon in the Legislature.
“What matters most is that we were able to get this reform enacted into law,” Reed said. “By prohibiting this wasteful abuse of the welfare system, we can reduce the burden on taxpayers while making sure the Commonwealth’s limited financial resources are directed to folks who are truly in need.”
Rep. Dave Reed
62nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(717) 705-7173
Contact: Dan Massing
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 772-9845