LANSING -- State officials worry about the use of food assistance dollars on exotic vacations and now they want to make some changes.
And here is the reason lawmakers are taking a look at all this: in January and February of this year, millions of taxpayer dollars geared for food and cash assistance were spent out of state.
"Just to go on vacation with taxpayer money is outrageous," said State Senator Rick Jones, Republican from Grand Ledge.
State Senator Rick Jones says that's exactly what's happening with some Bridge Card funds. Money that is for those who need state assistance is being used in a very wrong way.
"I think it's more than absurd, I think it's obscene that dollars that are meant to feed children and clothe the children for the necessity of life are wasted in any way," said Sen. Jones.
He couldn't believe where Michigan Bridge Card money was going. In January and February of this year, two-million dollars in Bridge Card food and cash assistance was spent in Florida, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and even on cruises.
“Obviously, most of that was vacation. I'm sure that very little of that issued for an emergency funeral," said Sen. Jones.
The Department of Human Services Deputy Director Brian Rooney says the 1.9-million users of the card can use the money out of state if they are trying to get a job or are visiting family, but Senator Jones questions taxpayer’s dollars being used for vacations.
"We’re very concerned with the folks that are using the bridge cards are using them appropriately, and that the taxpayer money, we're being good stewards of that money," said Rooney.
Rooney says right now, they're working to enhance the ability to track how money is spent.
“If the people fall into a category that's legitimate, then we won't cut them off, if they do, then we will cut them off," said Rooney.
And Lawmakers and DHS say they're closer to putting an end to another problem, that’s people using bridge money at casinos.
And Senator Jones wants something else done and that’s limit the use of bridge cards out of state.
“A system where Bridge Cards can not be taken out of state unless you report to DHS and provide a legitimate reason," explained Sen. Jones.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
UpNorthLive's Facebook fans voted to hear more details on a state senator's plan to stop what he calls abuse of Michigan's food assistance program.
State Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, announced Tuesday that he is working with the Michigan Department of Human Services to end Bridge Card abuse while users are on vacation.
Instead of paper food stamps and paper checks, individuals needing state assistance are issued an “Electronic Benefit Transfer” debit card known as a Bridge Card to purchase food products and access cash benefits.
Jones recently learned that in January and February about $2 million in Bridge Card food and cash assistance was spent in Florida, California, Hawaii and Nevada, and even on cruise ships.
The lawmaker is also working on another measure, Senate Bill 109. It complements the pledge made by Gov. Rick Snyder and Michigan Department of Human Services Director Maura Corrigan to stop Bridge Card abuse in the state. SB 109 would prohibit users from using Bridge Cards to withdraw cash from casino ATMs.
“It is shocking that taxpayers would foot the bill for welfare recipients to spend money on vacations to other states and even on cruise ships,” Jones said. “This must end and I am confident that the new DHS director will reverse this situation, which the last administration let get out of control the last eight years. There are only a few good reasons to use a Michigan Bridge Card in another state. One example is if a soldier was called up by the National Guard and needed something on a temporary basis.”
Currently, Bridge Cards are only available to Michigan residents. Card holders are supposed to notify the state when they have been out of the state for 30 days. Then the card is cut off.
Do you think tighter restrictions are needed so people can't use their food assistance money on vacation and not allow cash to be withdrawn from casino ATMs? Tell us "Your Point of View" by voting in the poll below and leaving your comments.
You can also choose the news through our Facebook story of the day. Each evening we post three options on our Facebook page. You can vote on which story you'd like to hear more about on 7 & 4 News at 6.
