Republican backers say three bills up for vote by Assembly target food stamp fraud

MADISON — The Wisconsin Assembly plans to vote on three bills Republican backers say are needed to combat fraud in Wisconsin's food stamp program.

Opponents to the bills up for votes Tuesday, November 3rd in the Assembly say they aren't needed and will only make it more difficult for people in need of food to receive it.

One proposal would require that a photo be added to FoodShare debit cards, but store clerks would not have to look at the image before completing a sale.

Another bill would require a fraud investigation to be launched after a FoodShare recipient makes a fifth request for a new card.

The third bill would require the state to seize all FoodShare benefits if the account has not been accessed in six months or more.

The proposals come after the Legislature already approved Gov. Scott Walker's proposal requiring drug tests for FoodShare recipients.

The Assembly passed another measure barring FoodShare recipients from purchasing junk food, but it is stalled in the Senate.

And new FoodShare program rules began statewide on April 1, 2015. Certain adults between the ages of 18 through 49 with no minor children in their home may need to meet a work requirement or meet an exemption to continue getting FoodShare benefits. The work requirement rules will affect members who have a renewal or apply for FoodShare benefits on and after April 1, 2015.

READ MORE: 2015 Assembly Bill 188: Relating to: removing FoodShare benefits from an inactive account and expunging unused benefits after one year.

READ MORE: 2015 Assembly Bill 200: Relating to: a waiver to limit the number of FoodShare replacement cards.

READ MORE: 2015 Assembly Bill 212: Relating to: acts of concealment and misrepresentations in filing for or claiming unemployment insurance benefits.

READ MORE: 2015 Assembly Bill 222: Relating to: photo identification cards for FoodShare recipients.

LEARN MORE: FoodShare Wisconsin.