Multi-state push to reform EBT card use

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Massachusetts and other states are considering cracking down on what welfare recipients can use their benefits to purchase.

Some states are blocking their recipients from spending benefits on booze, cigarettes, lottery tickets, casino gambling, tattoos, and strippers.

It is an idea that some people, like Debbie Belanger of Enfield, say they agree with.

“I think that it should be used only for necessities like food. I don't think it should be used for luxuries or anything like that,” Belanger said.

Cash transactions are nearly impossible to police, which is why some states have programmed ATM’s to reject benefit cards to minimize what is spent on alcohol and other luxuries.