LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — In an effort to prevent food stamp fraud, State Senator Will Kraus is defending a bill that would require food stamp recipients to use a photo ID card.
Kraus, who is from Lee’s Summit, said the bill would require food stamp recipients older than 16 be issued a photo ID card, which would work similarly to ATM cards. Kraus, and his supporters, believe this would reduce the number of people committing a federal offense by selling their food stamps for profit.
The number of food stamp recipients has increased to the highest level since the program began in 1939. According to Missouri’s Family Service Division, 950,725 individuals received food stamps in October 2011. It’s estimated to cost $1.4 million to issue photo ID cards to the total number of food stamp recipients.
Those opposed to the bill claim Missouri doesn’t have enough money to fund the photo ID cards. It’s unclear when Missouri will vote on the matter.
