Posted on 10/06/2010 6:52:50 AM PDT by hedgetrimmer
The Schwarzenegger administration is cutting off use of state-issued welfare debit cards at casinos across the country and on cruise ships, following a Times report that the aid cards have been used to spend or withdraw millions of dollars in benefits at popular vacation spots.
More than $69 million meant to help the needy pay their rent and clothe their children was accessed in 49 other states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam between January 2007 and May 2010, according to data from the California Department of Social Services.
Department Director John Wagner instructed the vendor that administers the debit card program to make the changes Monday afternoon, in response to a story that ran in The Times' Monday edition. The move is part of the Schwarzenegger administration's commitment to "rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in these programs" and to ensuring "these resources are going to the people they are intended for," Wagner said.
More than $11 million was spent or withdrawn in Las Vegas, about $1 million of that at shops and casino hotels on or within a block or two of the famous strip. The data show $8,968 accessed at the Tropicana and $7,995 at the Venetian and its Grand Canal Shoppes.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
As I pack my baloney sandwich into the old brown paper bag and head off to work.
And why exactly is Kolly - for - nya broke?
And the obvious question is why the h*ll not ? It's no wonder they've got a taxpayer revolt on their hands.
Another example of The Man keeping the brothas down! No cruise for youse!
State to block access to welfare cards from casinos and cruise ships, but racetracks, lotteries, sportlines and trips to Spain are ok.
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