Thousands of welfare recipients still using cards at liquor stores

Watchdog.org ^ | 16 Mar, 2016 | Arthur Kane

[MtnClimber]

(Colorado) Between May and November last year, 5,000 welfare recipients withdrew taxpayer money more than 10,000 times at casinos, liquor stores and pot shops despite a new state law requiring agencies to block the abuse, officials told lawmakers Tuesday.

The numbers, which show 9,204 withdrawals at liquor stores, 40 at racing establishments, 134 at marijuana shops and 737 at casinos are higher than the numbers Watchdog.org found in a similar six-month period in 2014, when we wrote stories that sparked the legislation. But Watchdog.org’s analysis was conservative and excluded many venues that sell both food and liquor, like Sam’s Clubs.

FIGHTING FRAUD: State Rep. Tim Dore, R-Elizabeth, passed a bill last year to block welfare withdrawals at ATMs. After the hearing, the officials refused to discuss how many owners of prohibited locations were fined for repeated violations at their ATMs or how many welfare recipients lost their cash benefits because of the abuses.

[Nea Wood]

Oh, but it’s embarrassing to be seen at the grocery store with a book of food stamps! We mustn’t be so mean as to embarrass folks. (sarc)

[Bob]

True. The banks should be responsible for blocking the ATM cash withdrawals. I though perhaps the people were using the cards to get cash out, on top of their purchases, as the store cash registers.

I couldn't tell from the article if there's abuse of "cash back" policies or just straight cash withdrawals from standalone ATM machines. Cash ATM withdrawals would be especially difficult for any business to monitor without their posting an employee at the machine.

[i_robot73]

Then you make it the 'issue' of the ATM company; which ISN'T their 'problem' (IE: Is card valid? Y. Is balance equal or above requested amount? Y. ) Again, we refuse to put the onus where it belongs. I *love* how it's always oh, so easy...for someone ELSE to do XYZ. How 'bout we get to the nitty: NO welfare. The taxpayers are NOT slaves. their property is exactly that: THEIRS. If/when, one needs to ASK others and rely upon their VOLUNTARY charity. Oh, you need some assistance paying the electric/gas/oil bill? Well, I have a yard that need mowing, some shrubs needing trim. I'll gladly help you if you wish to do the work... Let those whom wish to donate determine the circumstances of their giving. Let THEM determine when 'mommy A' pops out brood #4 if she's still qualified to be a recipient of their property/time.

[Bull Snipe]

agree, should be something akin to WIC. Specific food product items only. Defined and targeted toward the recipients age bracket.

[george76]

Colorado Ping ( Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the list.)

[boop]

Agreed.

If someone is SO well-fed that they have extra cash to spend at the track, strip clubs, liquor stores, casinos, etc. then they really don't "need that money to live on/feed their family/ republicans want to starve children".

The instant someone uses them for "vices", the cards should be canceled.