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Ball Hails Limits on EBT Use in State Budget

CORTLANDT, N.Y. -- State Sen. Greg Ball, R,C,I-Patterson, recently announced that the state's budget includes a provision to prevent recipients of public assistance from using electronic debit transfer cards at liquor stores and other locations. 

State Sen. Greg Ball recently announced that the state budget includes a provision to prevent recipients of public assistance from using electronic debit transfer cards at liquor stores and other locations.

State Sen. Greg Ball recently announced that the state budget includes a provision to prevent recipients of public assistance from using electronic debit transfer cards at liquor stores and other locations.

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The provision, S6358D, prohibits the use of EBT cards by recipients of public assistance at certain locations, including liquor stores, wine stores, beer wholesalers, adult-oriented entertainment facilities and gaming establishments, including casinos, parimutuel wagering facilities, video lottery facilities and commercial charitable gaming facilities, according to a press release. Ball joined Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libous and other  state senators to urge the passage of the initiative in February "to restore integrity in the state’s public assistance program," according to the release. 

“New Yorkers are always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, but we don’t like seeing taxpayer money wasted. Preventing EBT cards from being used to purchase things like alcohol, lottery tickets and adult entertainment is common sense,” said Ball. “I am glad to have worked with my colleagues to ensure the state budget included this provision to ensure families in need get the temporary support they require, while also protecting hardworking taxpayers from abuse.”

Ball created a petition that garnered over 1,000 signatures since it was launched in June 2013.

“This type of law is not intended to embarrass or humiliate people in need. I understand that times are tough. However, we need to be sure that this money is being used for its intended purpose,” said Ball. “Taxes are killing this state. This is one way to not only tighten the belt and save millions of dollars, but get addicts the help they need.”

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