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2/23/2017
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Kettle introduces bill to combat food stamp fraud
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 STATE HOUSE – In an effort to reduce fraud within the state’s food stamp program, Senator Nicholas D. Kettle, (R-Dist. 21, Coventry, Foster, Scituate, West Greenwich), has introduced legislation that would require anyone using the food stamp program to show photo identification.
“There are many people in our state that genuinely need these benefits,” Kettle, the bill’s prime sponsor, said. “People who try and defraud the food stamp program are stealing money from those who need EBT cards to keep from going hungry.”
Senate bill (2017-S 279) would require retailers examine a photo ID to verify that a buyer presenting an EBT card is the person entitled to use the card. Additionally, any retailer who neglects to verify eligibility will be suspended from the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program for one month.
A bipartisan effort, the bill is a much-needed tool to bolster the SNAP program, said Sen. Marc Cote, (D-Dist. 24, North Smithfield, Woonsocket).
“Protecting the integrity of this system will help us ensure that the benefits will get to the people that truly need them,” said Sen. Cote.
The bill now goes before the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Katie Haughey Cardoza, Senate Minority Office
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2708
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