PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Legislation long proposed by Rhode Island Republicans to ban the use of public cash assistance on alcohol, lottery tickets and casino gambling is now moving forward under a Democratic banner.
Rep. Arthur Corvese, a North Providence Democrat, is proposing to prohibit welfare recipients from using electronic benefit cards at liquor stores, casinos and adult entertainment facilities.
His bill would also make it a crime for liquor store owners and other affected businesses to accept the cards.
The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday recommended its passage.
Rep. Patricia Morgan, a West Warwick Republican, says the legislation is a slight alteration of a bill she’s proposed for years.
She called it partisan antics for the state’s dominant Democrats to take credit but she says she will likely support it.
