Grocery items (WRN photo)
GOP lawmakers in Madison are moving ahead with a plan for photo ID to be added to Wisconsin FoodShare Cards. Republican State Representative Jesse Kremer says adding a photo identification to Foodshare benefit cards will stop millions of dollars in fraud from occurring.
“So that we can proactively curb criminal activity, and ensure that the aid that we are providing for the needy is actually getting to the needy in our communities,” Kremer (R-Kewaskum) said.
But state Representative Lisa Subeck says adding a photo ID to benefit cards will only further burden Wisconsinites in need of FoodShare assistance. “There are folks on the right who want to score political points, quite frankly at the expense of those who are struggling in our communities,” said Subeck (D-Madison).
The Assembly Public Benefit Reform committee is debating the provision Tuesday. Stiffening penalties for unemployment insurance fraud is also on the agenda.
In order for a photo ID to be added to Wisconsin Foodshare cards, a waiver will need to be issued from the federal government. Kremer is concerned Wisconsin won’t receive that waiver but says the legislation is still worth pursuing.
“I don’t always agree with everything the federal government does, we as states don’t always agree,” Kremer said. “If we’re sharing the administration of this program, I think we have a right to look into and try and save money wherever possible, and stop fraud wherever we can.”
Kremer said FoodShare recipients should embrace adding photo IDs to ensure that their benefits are protected.
Dylan Brogan