Florida is working with the federal government to restrict people from buying nonessential items, like tattoos and cigarettes, with their EBT and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
The list of banned items is expected to include tobacco and vaping products, DeSantis said.
People also wouldn’t be allowed to use the temporary government cash assistance on adult material, video games, drugs, tanning beds, fortune tellers, theme park subscriptions and other luxury items.
“I don’t know why some of this is happening,” DeSantis quipped.
He made the remarks at a news conference in Tampa.
“We think that will ultimately save taxpayer money and reduce fraud, but also will help our efforts to be able to get folks the true help that they need,” DeSantis said. “So you will now have the EBT focused on nourishment, the food, the things that really matter for folks rather than some of these tangential things, which is not the appropriate role of the government to be subsidizing.”
The changes need to be OK’d by the federal government to take effect, but DeSantis said he expected “swift approval” from President Donald Trump’s administration.
“At its core, the changes announced today are about responsible stewardship, ensuring taxpayer resources support family stability and self-sufficiency,” said interim Department of Children and Families Secretary Kate Williams.
Williams added that the updates don’t affect a person or family’s eligibility or how much benefits they will receive.
“Families do not need to take any action at this time and can expect advanced notice and communication from the department explaining when the restrictions will take effect and exactly what they can expect,” she added.
During the news conference, DeSantis avoided saying two words — Hope Florida — as he promoted the state’s “care portal” where people can connect with churches and other sources to be self-sufficient and get off government benefits. Hope Florida is the charity spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis that was caught up in a political scandal over a $10 million Medicaid settlement being funneled for political purposes.
The post Gov. DeSantis wants to stop people from spending government benefits on tanning beds, tattoos appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..