Technology is a marvelous thing — within limits.
One such limit should be on where those on public assistance can spend the cash the taxpayers give them on their Electronic Benefits ÂTransfer cards.
As The Post reported, some New Yorkers are using their EBT cards to make cash withdrawals at ATMs inside strip clubs, liquor stores, casinos and porn shops. Although Congress passed a bill banning the use of EBT cards at such places, New York has not yet met the law’s requirement that states show they are complying.
The good news is that Gov. Cuomo’s budget includes an item that would help curb this sort of abuse. Under his proposal, people found to be using EBT cards in prohibited venues would have their benefits suspended.
Retailers, too, would be punished; a casino or liquor store could, for example, lose its license, and an adult-entertainment store could face fines and misdemeanor charges.
Most New Yorkers are probably wondering at this point why we even have to debate this. Isn’t it just common sense that aid meant to provide basic necessities should not be spent on a lap dance or a bottle of Jim Beam?
The answer is the Democratic leaders in ÂAlbany. Two years ago, Republican state Sen. Tom Libous put forward an even stronger proposal to crack down on this abuse. But it got nowhere because of the Democratic Assembly.
This Democratic dilly-dallying has put the state in a pickle. New York is required to demonstrate to the federal government by Feb. 22 that it is preventing benefits from being spent at these prohibited venues. If the feds aren’t satisfied, New York could lose 5% of its Temporary Assistance to Needy Families allotment — which works out to $122 million a year.
The problem is that the budget isn’t due until March 31.
As we have said many times before, New Yorkers are a generous people, who support extending a helping hand to our fellow citizens in need. But when recipients of aid meant to be spent on necessities such as food, clothing and shelter reward the taxpayers’ generosity by abusing these benefits on booze and porn, they not only waste money. Not only do they bring discredit on these programs, they put those who really do need the help in jeopardy.
This one is a no -brainer. Albany needs to fix it now.