A new bill introduced in the Michigan House would prevent people from using a Bridge Card to buy pop.
The bill was presented by Reps. Beau LaFave and Ben Frederick.
Under the bill, purchasing soft drinks or soda would not fall under food assistance guidelines.
"There are a lot of people out there who are abusing the system. They go into their Walmart and buy a 12-pack of soda, go out into the parking lot, pour it on the ground and return it for the deposit. Instead of food benefits, that's turned into a physical cash," LaFave told the Detroit Free Press. "I don't know what they're using the money on. Maybe it's heroin. Maybe it's diapers. I don't think the taxpayers should be paying for food benefits as a way to give cash subsidies to people."
The Committee on Families, Children, and Seniors is currently reviewing the bill.
"For every $350 with Bridge Card purchases in pop, that's $100 in cash," LaFave told MLive.
