Mo. House takes step to control fraud, abuse

There are ample problems in this country but the issue of fraud and abuse seems to be a recurring theme among the political class.

Of course, if you pay attention, the political class talks about the issue but rarely puts teeth into any measure to control fraud and abuse.

But the Missouri House this week took a step in the right direction by toughening rules for benefit recipients who spend taxpayer funds on prohibited items.

And as expected, the liberal Democrats are up in arms.

The bill, which passed overwhelmingly, would impact the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF), which provides cash payments to more than 11,000 Missouri families.

Under TANF guidelines, the funds can not be used for such things as tobacco, alcohol or at businesses such as liquor stores or strip clubs. But there are countless reports of widespread abuse.

Under the legislation, benefit recipients who spend taxpayer funds on prohibited items would receive a three-month ban on receiving TANF funds for their first violation, a six-month ban for a second violation and a loss of benefits for five years for a third violation.

The bill would also prohibit using the electronic benefits cards to withdraw money from an ATM.

It's doubtful, quite frankly, if this measure gains full approval in Missouri. Though well-intended, the measure has its share of flaws.

A coalition of liberal advocacy groups argue that access to TANF funds or any other government benefit program should be up to the recipient with limited guidelines.

If we truly are serious in this country about eliminating or reducing fraud in the welfare system, measures such as this are a good starting point.

But I continue to question our resolve.

Here is an element that is missing from this legislation.

TANF recipients or those receiving SNAP (food stamp) benefits are often able to misspend taxpayer funds only if a business cooperates.

Legislation should include stiff penalties for those businesses who knowingly violate the law and look the other way when those funds are spent illegally.

Missouri has never been a national leader when it comes to cracking down on benefit fraud. But maybe the time is ripe to address this issue.

The intent of the TANF program is to provide critical funds to assist families in need of financial support.

When abused, this program becomes just another government giveaway with no strings to assure taxpayers that their hard-earned money is going to those truly in need.

It's high time that this problem be addressed and abusers be penalized.