No cash assistance, requires direct payment for rent and utilities
According to a press release issued by his office, Rep. Tom McMillin, R-Rochester Hills, introduced legislation today that drastically changes how welfare benefits are received in the state of Michigan.
House Bill 5536 completely eliminates all cash withdrawals from state Bridge Cards to reduce welfare abuse and fraud in Michigan. This prevents taxpayer dollars from being used for drugs or other illegal purchases. The bill also requires direct payment vendor programs for rent, utility costs and child care costs, meaning welfare recipients will be required to use landlord and child care providers enrolled with the state and receive direct payment from the state. The Bridge Card may only be used to buy certain government-approved products from department and grocery stores. This ensures taxpayers are not paying for lavish products like fillet mignon or expensive designer clothing.
“This major welfare reform will make sure those who really need assistance are helped,” McMillin said. “We will know that taxpayer dollars are going directly to where they are needed most. No drugs. No filet mignon. No designer clothing. Taxpayer welfare dollars only for the basics.”
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