Kansas TANF Bill Wants To End Strip Club Visits On The Taxpayers’ Dime


Kansas Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) rules may be about to change significantly. Governor Sam Brownback could sign Kansas House Bill 2258 into law and eliminate non-essential use of taxpayer money for welfare families.

The TANF Kansas bill would mean it would be illegal to continue to use taxpayer-funded government aid dollars to get tattoos, gamble, go to the movies, to a public swimming pool, and other related activities.

Kansas State Sen. Michael O’Donnell stated that the TANF House Bill 2258 is focused on ensuring that the families that receive the aid spend the funds “more responsibly.” The Republican state senator also said, “We’re trying to make sure those benefits are used the way they were intended. This is about prosperity. This is about having a great life.”

The Kansas Temporary Aid for Needy Families legislation would reportedly “limit spending” on body piercings, massages, spas, tobacco, nail salons, lingerie, arcades, cruise ships or visits to psychics. House Bill 2258 would also prohibit TANF families from spending more than $25 per day at ATMs.

The taxpayer funds withdrawn from ATMs would no longer be allowed to be spent at: “theme parks, dog or horse racing facility, parimutuel facility, or sexually oriented business or any retail establishment which provides adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment, or in any business or retail establishment where minors under age 18 are not permitted.”

Exactly how the Kansas state government would be able to determine if a TANF recipient is withdrawing cash from an ATM and spending it on beer, cigarettes, or a trip to a strip club remains unclear.

The Kansas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families bill passed both the state senate and house chambers last week. The legislation has reportedly received strong support by Republican lawmakers who control the governing bodies. Governor Sam Brownback is expected to sign the TANF bill. Eileen Hawley, a representative from the governor’s office, told the media that Brownback will “review the measure carefully.”

“I just think we are simply saying to people, ‘If you are asking for assistance in this state, you’re sort of less than other people and we’re going to tell you how and where to spend your money,'” Democratic Kansas Representative Carolyn Bridges, stated during a house debate on the TANF legislation.

Those who support the Kansas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families bill disagree with Representative Bridges. Advocates fro the TANF bill largely feel that the money was taken from American workers by the government for the purpose of funding basic needs, such as food and shelter, not booze, nicotine, entertainment, and Tarot card readings.

How do you feel about the Kansas TANF bill? Will prompt “more responsible” spending?

[Image via: Shutterstock]

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