HARRISBURG – Senator David G. Argall (R-29) is co-sponsoring legislation that would conduct a cost-benefit analysis for placing photo identification on Electronic Benefits Transfer cards.
The Electronic Benefits Transfer cards, otherwise known as ACCESS cards, are managed and distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
The legislation to be introduced by Senator Patricia Vance (R-Cumberland) would require the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study whether the state could save tax dollars by placing a photo identification on ACCESS cards. Last year, Auditor General Jack Wagner suggested serious cost savings could be found under such a plan and recommended exploring various options.
Argall has been pushing for more welfare reforms to identify and eliminate waste and abuse in public benefit programs.
“We need to look at all avenues to save money in this horrible economy,” said Argall. “The constituents I represent do not want to see their hard-earned tax dollars go towards someone’s illegal drug habit, which is why we are now requiring drug testing. I continue to work with my Senate colleagues to find sensible solutions that remove those who abuse our system and taxpayer dollars. Senator Vance’s suggestion to weigh costs against the benefits is a smart way to see what we can realistically save.”
Contact: Jon Hopcraft
(717) 787-2637
(570) 773-0891