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Poverty Program Bill on its Way to Senate

By Dustin Kopp|2018-03-19T14:03:50-05:00March 19, 2018 2:03 pm|State Headlines|0 Comments

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (KDKZ-TV) A bill that would toughen penalties on people who misspend benefit money within a poverty program is on its way to the Missouri Senate.

House Bill 1443 affects the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which provides regular cash payments to more than 11,000 families.

Currently, if people spend benefit money on tobacco, alcohol or other prohibited items, or at businesses such as liquor stores or strip clubs, they must pay that money back – but they can remain in the program. Under the new bill, spending benefit money on a prohibited item or business would result in a three-month ban the first time, a six-month ban the second and a loss of benefits for five years for a third infraction.

The legislation also would bar recipients from using electronic benefit cards to withdraw money from ATMs.

About the Author: Dustin Kopp

I joined News Channel 18 in May 2011 in the weather department as Chief Meteorologist. In January 2013, I assumed the roll of News Director. I started my career in 2003 in high school. I attended Farmington High School. While there, I was a student in Black Knight Television (BKTV), doing anything from camera work, to editing, producing and anchoring the weather. I attended Mineral Area College, University of Missouri – Columbia, Mississippi State University and Webster University. While attending college, I continued to help out with BKTV. In 2009, I interned at KOMU-TV, Columbia, Missouri’s NBC affiliate. I enjoy spending time with my wife, Danica and our daughters , Declynn and Danleigh. I can’t forget about our dog, Daisy. We rescued her in 2011. We also have a cat named Dolly. I am committed to giving you the most accurate information, whether it’s from my latest weather forecast, or a news story that could touch your heart. Contact me if you have any questions or a news idea.