On Wednesday, Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) introduced a bill that would force recipients of food stamps to show a valid photo ID to buy food. Anti-hunger advocates say that because many poor people cannot afford to purchase government IDs, the requirement would make it harder for low-income Americans to eat. Vitter says the bill is designed to cut down on fraud. Using a photo ID is standard in many day-to-day transactions, he said upon introducing the bill. My bill will restore some accountability to the program so its not ruined for people who use it appropriately. But its not that simple. Vitters bill would also prevent many Americans from using the nutrition aid theyre eligible for. Many poor people do not have photo IDs, and it costs money they do not have to get them, Deborah Weinstein, executive director of the advocacy organization Coalition on Human Needs, told the Times-Picayune on Wednesday. Senator Vitters proposal will be especially tough on elderly and poor people who do not have the documents needed to get their photo ID, and who will struggle even to get to the necessary offices. They will wind up going without food. -Erika
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 17:34:07 +0000
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