Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick says he is reviewing a proposal to require photo identification on electronic benefit transfer cards used by welfare recipients.
The governor would not immediately say if he would allow the measure to become law. The Legislature added the provision to a spending bill that reached Patrick's desk on Monday.
The governor told reporters on Tuesday that he would prefer a more comprehensive approach to welfare reform, along the lines of a bill that has passed the Senate and is pending in the House. He had also said his office has received messages from people concerned about the cost of requiring photo IDs on EBT cards, and the possible impact on seniors and the disabled.
Patrick says he expects "significant" changes in the welfare system in the coming months.
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