The Norman Transcript

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February 13, 2013

Subsidizing harmful behavior

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — One of the newest members of our county’s legislative delegation has wasted little time in getting his bills heard at the Capitol.

State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, got unanimous approval on his legislation that would ban the use of welfare cash cards at strip clubs, casinos and liquor stores.

We didn’t know this was a problem, but apparently it has happened in the past. Senate Bill 667 would ensure that funds provided through programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families are used to provide meaningful help for families who need it most.

Guidelines are needed to ensure that the funds are used to support families and not to subsidize potentially harmful behaviors.

Standridge said that by attaching common sense requirements to programs like TANF, they can serve as an effective safety net.

“Requirements like this help direct public assistance to where it is most needed, while discouraging destructive behavior,” Standridge said.

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