New bill would prevent people from buying cake and steak with foodstamps - The Homeless Romantic
New bill would prevent people from buying cake and steak with foodstamps
IMAGE: JOHN RAOUX/ASSOCIATED PRESS
The legislation suggests different foods and drinks that may be off-limits to food stamp users if the bill passes, but those items aren’t final. The Office of Temporarily Disability Assistance would have to come up with an official list.
“The purpose of [food stamps] is to promote good nutrition, but current rules allow the purchase of junk food and luxury items like high-end steaks and lobster,” the bill states. “Even certain energy drinks, which are subject to sales tax, can be purchased using taxpayer-funded benefit cards.”
Ritchie’s bill spends a lot of time on obesity prevention, even though a person receiving food stamps is allotted only about $1.41 per person for each meal.
“In New York and throughout the United States, obesity has reached epidemic proportions,” the bill states. “The goal of this legislation is to improve dietary quality and reduce obesity by ensuring food and beverage items purchased using public benefit cards have been declared exempt by the Department of Taxation and Finance.
Democrats in New York and elsewhere have traditionally been opposed to restrictions on purchases for those using food stamps. Democrats control the New York State Assembly, meaning the bill is not likely to get off the ground.
In 2012, the federal government issued new restrictions that prevented people from spending food stamps at liquor stores, gambling establishments and strip clubs, though states are not required to comply. New York law prevents ATMs at gambling locations from accepting food stamp assistance cards.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
via Mashable
New bill would prevent people from buying cake and steak with foodstamps - The Homeless Romantic
Leave a Reply