A city lawmaker is demanding the state pass a welfare-reform measure after a Post probe revealed public-assistance cash was being spent at strip clubs and liquor stores.
Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Queens) introduced a resolution supporting the Public Assistance Integrity Act, which would ban welfare recipients from buying alcohol, tobacco and lottery tickets with benefits.
“We understand when our hard-earned dollars are spent on food and clothing for people who need it, but we draw the line at lap dances and Jack Daniels,” Vallone said. If the bill doesn’t pass, the state could lose $120 million in federal funding.
The bill would also bar aid recipients from using electronic-benefit transfer-cards at liquor stores, casinos and adult-entertainment venues.