NEW: Simonian Takes Aim at EBT Cards in New Plan

Email to a friend Permalink

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Politics Team

Republican candidate for State Senate in Worcester's 2nd District Steve Simonian released a plan on Wednesday calling for EBT card purchases to be restricted to food only, as well as several other changes to state legislation.

Currently EBT cards, which serve as limited-use debit cards for those receiving government assistance, have a number of usage restirctions, such as prohibitions on the purchase of tabacco, alcohol and lottery tickets. Simonian made clamping down on the cards a top priority, even though legislation requiring additional restrictions has already passed in the State Senate.

"The fall is upon us, and many residents of this district have made it very clear to me that change should not be just a buzz word on Beacon Hill," Simonian said.

"I have walked every town and neighborhood in this district and heard the call for reforms, for more compromise, and for an efficient and effective state government."

The candidate's "Put the District First Plan" also calls for legislation to stop taxpayer benefits, such as housing, education and healthcare, to undocumented or illegal immigrants.

Legislation regarding such benefits for illegal immigrants has also passed in the State Senate already.

The repeal of the state's inventory tax and major pension reform rounded out the Republican candidate's list of priorities.

“These are the issues for my campaign that residents in each of the municipalities have asked for in terms of an open, clean and respectable government," Simonian said.

"The voters deserve the respect of having an open conversation on these issues and I suggest my opponent agree to let the voters hear his plans on each of these issues."

Democratic State Senator Mike Moore is running for re-election against Simonian in November.