Welfare recipients in Massachusetts have been using their EBT cards in various states, including Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, California, Florida, and Alaska, raising concerns about the misuse of taxpayer money. In Fiscal Year 2024, over $3 billion was distributed in welfare funds, with many worried that the migrant crisis will only add to this staggering amount. State Senator Ryan Fattman has filed a bill to require recipients to be residents for a year before receiving welfare benefits, prioritizing those in need within the state.
Data obtained from the Department of Transitional Assistance reveals that EBT cards were used in tourist destinations like Hawaii for various expenditures. While the agency aims to empower low-income individuals and families, excessive out-of-state spending has raised questions about the necessity of these benefits.
Critics argue that the significant travel by welfare recipients suggests that not all beneficiaries truly require assistance. With over $11 billion distributed in food and economic assistance in the past three fiscal years, including funds for migrants and documented individuals in state shelters, there are concerns about the strain on the state’s budget. Despite programs like Homebase and resettlement agencies assisting migrant families, the cost to taxpayers is projected to exceed $1 billion annually in the coming years, separate from the welfare budget.
The use of welfare funds outside of New England remains a significant financial burden, prompting calls for stricter residency requirements and oversight to ensure funds are allocated appropriately.
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