Viewsday
Analysis, discussion and opinions by members of Newsday's editorial board.
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Bessent: Ban EBT cards in strip clubs, but don't expect it to make a difference
Photo credit: Getty Images | An Albany strip club has argued that its lap dances should not be taxed because they are a form of art. (Sept. 5, 2012)
People on welfare shouldn’t spend the dollars from taxpayers in strip clubs, bars or casinos. The meager benefit should be used to feed and clothe their families. That goes without saying.
So should support for a move in Albany to ban using Electronic Benefit Transfer cards to get cash from ATMs located in those sin dens. Failure to pass the ban Congress called for in a law it enacted in February, would cost the state millions of dollars in federal welfare funding. And there’s nothing wrong with signaling official displeasure.
Just don’t think for a minute that the few cretins who actually spend welfare money on lap dances, drinks and bets will actually stop doing it.
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They won’t have to go very far to find ATMs in less scandalous locations. And with cold cash in hand, they’ll be able to indulge the vices to their hearts’ content — or until the money runs out, whichever comes first.
The state legislature should pass the ban, even though it’s all optics and won’t slow the drinking, gambling partyers’ roll.
Tags: ebt cards , welfare , benefits , atms , strip clubs , casinos , bars
