Proposed bill would ban use of welfare money at casinos, strip clubs and liquor stores
A bill proposed by Lee’s Summit Sen. Will Kraus and University City Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal would bar the use of welfare benefit cards at a variety of businesses including casinos, strip clubs, liquor stores and sporting events. In related news, people on welfare used to be able to use their benefit cards at casinos, strip clubs, liquor stores and sporting events. The bill is a reaction to reports that popped up last year of recipients using their benefits at such places.
The lawmakers are calling the planned restrictions a compromise. Kraus originally wanted much stricter rules and photos of the recipients on their EBT cards. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch explains that state law prohibits the use of EBT cards at casinos, but the bill would go further by electronically blocking the cards’ use at gambling halls.
