Closer to EBT card reform

(WWLP) - Massachusetts lawmakers approved the state budget, which if signed by Governor Patrick, will tighten restrictions on E-B-T card use.  

22News explains while the changes are significant, there likely won't be significant changes.

There will be certain types of stores or services that will not be able to accept E-B-T cards, but there is still one simple way to get around it.
 
Liquor Stores, strip clubs, tattoo parlors, nail salons, and firearms dealers just to name a few, will no longer be able to accept E-B-T cards if Governor Patrick approves the state budget.

"I didn't know that they used them for stuff like that to be honest with you.   I thought it was more for priority stuff not like liquor or nails", says Springfield's Jessica Avery.

Taunton  State representative Shaunna O'Connell originally co-sponsored this bill and said the revised version is a step in the right direction.  There are significant changes to the state's current Electronic Balance Transfer or E-B-T card system for people who are on welfare.

"I think it's a good idea, I don't know if it will work", says Enfield's Jack Flynn.

State Representative O'Connell says 85% of cash assistance is taken out in cash.  EBT cards are used like ATM cards and there is no way to account for how that money is used.
 
"I don't know if there's a better way to take care of it, but they should figure out a better way to keep track of it", says Flynn.

So if a welfare recipient wants to use their EBT card for a tattoo or liquor, they can just go to an ATM that accepts EBT and take out cash.  

"They'll get around it, they will", says Avery.

There are also 20,000 E-B-T cards that are missing every month.  Included in this proposed bill, the Department of Transitional Assistance will charge a fee for replacement cards.  O'Connell believes many of these cards are being sold.