Rep. Binienda of Worcester Helps to Pass EBT Reform in MA

Email to a friend Permalink

Monday, November 11, 2013

GoLocalWorcester Politics Team

State Representative John J. Binienda (D-Worcester) joined his colleagues last week in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass comprehensive legislation that enhances the efficacy of the state’s welfare system through new initiatives and reforms.

The $20 million bill dedicates $11 million to create the Pathways to Self-Sufficiency program which provides numerous resources including job training, education and employment-matching programs to help welfare recipients achieve financial independence. The program requires applicants to search for employment before they receive cash assistance, replacing current regulations in which recipients have 60 days to find a job, but allows for temporary benefits while awaiting placement.

“This legislation will vastly improve our public assistance system, save the state money over time, and help struggling citizens across Massachusetts achieve long-term economic independence and stability,” said Binienda, who is the longest-serving member of the Worcester delegation. “I commend my colleagues in the House on both sides of the aisle for coming together to implement vital reforms that will bring greater accountability to the system.”

The bill appropriates increased funds for the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), including $3 million to hire additional caseworkers, the Department of Early Education & Care, and the Department of Career Services. In addition to educational programs included in the Pathways to Self-Sufficiency program, the legislation provides an additional $1 million for the High Demand Scholarship program and requires the DTA to create a financial literacy program regarding the use of benefit cards, bank accounts and savings for higher education.

Helping Families in MA

The legislation aids parents and families in numerous ways including:

• Allocates $5 million for childcare subsidies for low-income families;
• Makes individuals participating in the Pathways to Self-Sufficiency program eligible for childcare vouchers;
• Strengthens assistance for pregnant teens.

 

To help welfare recipients maintain economic stability while working towards independence, the bill includes an asset development program that allows individuals to save up to $5,000 for housing and education. These funds would not be counted against the existing $2,500 asset limit.

Preventing Fraud and Abuse

An Act to Foster Economic Independence builds on the House’s ongoing commitment to preventing welfare fraud and closing loopholes that incentivize individuals to remain on welfare through numerous provisions:

• Expands the scope of prohibited EBT transactions to include foreign transmittal agencies to prevent the use of EBT cards for international wire transfers;
• Requires the DTA to notify recipients who have not used benefits or have high balances, and subsequently requires the DTA to expunge or recoup funds;
• Codifies regulations mandating that SNAP benefits are for household use only as a means to prevent overseas food shipments;
• Requires the DTA to create a fraud detection program to analyze risk and refer cases to the Bureau of Program Integrity for investigation;
• Requires self-declarations to be signed under the penalties of perjury and prohibits self-declarations from being used as the only verification of eligibility;
• Allows state agencies to disclose tax forms for eligibility determination;
• Reduces the time period that results in a presumption of abandonment of Massachusetts residency.

 

The bill passed the House unanimously. The Senate passed a version of the bill back in June. A House-Senate committee, which is comprised of six Senate and six House lawmakers, will soon meet to discuss a compromise bill.
 

Related Articles

• EXCLUSIVE: Rep. O’Day Votes Against EBT Reform
• NEW: Simonian Takes Aim at EBT Cards in New Plan
• Fiscal Alliance Says MA in ‘Dire Need’ of Welfare Reform
• Grace Ross: Politics of Hate—Blaming Welfare Recipients
• MA Named 4th Biggest Welfare State
• NEW: Brown Demands Warren Repay Taxpayers for ‘Welfare Mailers’
• Tom Finneran: Money For Nothing—Bombers’ Families On Welfare
• Arthur Schaper: Schooling Massachusetts’ Governor on ABCs of EBTs

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Email to a friend Permalink