Governor Jan Brewer Signs Legislation to Ensure Accountability, Integrity in Welfare Program

Press Release

Governor Jan Brewer today signed into law HB 2205. This legislation prohibits
beneficiaries of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, from using Cash Assistance cards at liquor stores, casinos, gaming and racing facilities or adult entertainment establishments.

"The purpose of TANF is to help families in need get back on their feet and into the workplace," said Governor Brewer. "While such programs are important -- particularly in difficult economic times -- we owe it to our taxpayers to ensure these benefits are not misused or abused. This legislation will help strengthen accountability, integrity and public trust in our temporary assistance program."

TANF is a federal grant program overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to provide temporary financial assistance, work opportunities and other services to families in need. A federal mandate of the program requires that states prevent TANF Cash Assistance from being used in any electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transaction at liquor stores, casinos, gaming and racing facilities and adult entertainment establishments.

Currently, the State of Arizona's Gaming Compact prohibits the use of EBT cards at casinos and for the purchase of lottery tickets. HB 2205 codifies that prohibition into state law, and expands the ban to include racing facilities, liquor stores and adult entertainment venues. Failure to comply with the prohibition is a violation subject to State or local enforcement.

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