HARRISBURG – A bill to halt wasteful spending in the Medical Assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) programs was approved by the state Senate today by a vote of 30 to 20, according to Senator David G. Argall (R-29), the prime sponsor of the bill.
“The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that benefits are not wasted so that we can provide additional benefits to those in genuine need,” said Senator Argall. “I’m disappointed that so many Democrats declined to support this important bill, especially considering a former Democratic Auditor General highlighted this waste and abuse in our welfare system.”
Senator Argall introduced this bill after an audit by former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale found that the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services paid benefits to 2,324 dead people. In one case, $800 in benefits intended for a woman who passed away was used by another individual for a shopping spree.
Senate Bill 1124 requires the Department of Human Services to check death certificates with the Bureau of Vital Statistics so that the payments can be halted immediately. This bill now heads to the state House of Representatives for its consideration.
Contact: Jim Brugger
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