ALBANY – Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R – Chautauqua) today introduced a budget amendment to the state budget that would penalize welfare recipients who misuse Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. The amendment would have prohibited the use of EBT cards to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets, and prohibited the use of EBT cards at a liquor store, casino, or adult entertainment facility. Goodell issued the following statement:

“One of my top priorities as an assemblyman is to stop abuse of our state’s welfare system. This budget amendment would have ensured that public assistance money intended to help families in need does not get spent on vices that hurt families.

“Although the original legislation had bi-partisan support, the amendment was rejected largely by a party line vote. I remain committed to restoring integrity to our state’s welfare system. New York taxpayers deserve a welfare system that is free of abuse and helps lift families out of poverty and dependence on government.”

Andy Goodell on the floor of the State Assembly Monday, March 30, 2015.

Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning), has been a long-time supporter of the Keystone XL Pipeline legislation, saying it will create jobs and assist with manufacturing growth in the United States.

WASHINGTON –  Chautauqua County’s representative in the House says he’ll be focusing on three major efforts during the current session that he says will protect taxpayers.

Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning), who has a seat on the House Ways and Means Committee, says the panel met last week to discuss initiatives it would like to pursue this year.

Reed said his top priority for the committee is to reform the federal tax code, focus on reeling in spending from the social security disability fund so that it doesn’t rely on the retirement fund, and also reforming the current Welfare system into what he’s calling “workfare” In order to create opportunity to break the cycle of dependency that keeps the working poor in poverty.

The Ways and Means Committee is the fiscal oversight committee on congress and is responsible for making budget recommendations.