Senate Passes Welfare Reform Legislation to Prevent EBT Fraud

Last week the Senate passed legislation that will make improvements to the welfare system, closing loopholes and providing resources to help recipients reach financial independence.

Senator Mike Rush was happy to see that there was a focus on EBT fraud.

“I look forward to working with my House colleagues to send to the Governor a piece of legislation that will bring integrity back to a system and where assistance to our most vulnerable is kept in place,”  Senator Rush said.

For Senate President Therese Murray, the legislation means that recipients will be encouraged to reach economic independence.

“The changes approved in this bill will provide those who are ready and able to work with the support needed to move forward and live independently," Senate President Murray said. "Helping our residents enter the workforce and lead successful and self-sustaining lives will help our economy grow and will support the overall health of the Commonwealth.”

Under this legislation, applicants will be required to search for a job before they receive cash assistance. This replaces the current regulations "that provide recipients with a 60-day window after they start receiving benefits before they are required to look for a job."

This bill will also create a job diversion program through DTA and the Commonwealth Corporation to connect individuals with full-time jobs before they receive benefits.