Urges passage in assembly
 
(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C-East Patchogue) today praised Senator Tom Libous (R-Binghamton) for his recently introduced legislation prohibiting welfare recipients from using public assistance funds for cigarettes, alcohol, gambling and the lottery. Murray urged his colleagues in the Assembly to take action and pass a similar measure before the end of the legislative session on June 21.
 
Murray is an Assembly co-sponsor of legislation to ban EBT cards from ATM machines in order to ensure that this taxpayer-funded welfare program is used to care for one’s family rather than wasted on harmful substances. Senator Libous’ legislation is therefore an essential step toward utilizing public funds for needy families and not costly, frivolous items such as cigarettes, alcohol and gambling materials.
 
“I applaud Senator Libous for introducing this important bill,” said Murray. “While the majority of those receiving public assistance do not abuse their taxpayer-funded benefits, the sad fact is that there are many who spend these funds on expensive, nonessential items such as cigarettes, alcohol and gambling.
 
“The Libous bill can help ensure that public assistance funds help families in need pay for items essential to their daily survival and not on addictive luxury items. I urge my colleagues in the Assembly to take up this measure before the legislative session ends next week.”
 
Since there is not enough time left during the legislative session for Assemblyman Murray to sponsor an Assembly companion to the legislation, the Assembly Rules Committee would have to draft a bill similar to Senator Libous’ measure. With time winding down to accomplish this, Murray urged his colleagues to act swiftly.