Arizona Senate passes bill prohibiting use of welfare benefits at liquor businesses; bill now heads to governor

Nevin Barich

PHOENIX , May 21, 2013 (Associated Press) – ARIZONA SENATE VOTES TO RESTRICT USE OF WELFARE BENEFITS, SENDS BILL TO BREWER FOR APPROVAL

The Arizona Senate is sending Gov. Jan Brewer a bill that prohibits the use of welfare benefits at liquor, gambling and adult entertainment businesses.

The Senate passed the bill in a 28-1 vote Tuesday. The House unanimously passed the bill last week.

Welfare recipients are issued their benefits via Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, cards. They can be used like debit cards to buy things or to withdraw cash from ATMs. House Bill 2205 says the cards can't be used at certain adult orientated businesses.

If Brewer signs the measure into law, welfare recipients would still be able to use the cards at grocery stores located within casinos.

Arizona is among a growing number of states that are blocking welfare recipients from spending their benefits on booze, gambling and strippers.

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