Bill aims to prevent welfare recipients from gambling with public money
Posted: 06/14/2012
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan lawmakers want to prevent welfare recipients from rolling the dice with public money.
The Senate has given final approval to a bill to prevent people from using their electronic benefits card to get cash from casino ATMs. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to work with casinos on a way to block withdrawals from the machines.
People who qualify for food stamps get an electronic card, which allows them to buy food and get cash. The state found that a total of $87,000 was withdrawn at ATMs at a Detroit casino during a 12-month period that ended in summer 2010.
The bill now goes to Gov. Rick Snyder.
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