In Cal. a card, similar to a debit card is given. Liquor stores advertise that they accept these cards. They were being used in casinos and on cruise ships. The author said the program she refers to is only good for 3 years she fails to say that after the 3 years they can reapply. Now that 47% of people receive some type of Gov. assistance it is time to revamp or eliminate these programs.
The author is being deliberately misleading when citing the three-year limit. Someone in the comments said the three-year limit only applies to someone without dependents.