Dooner blasts state for handing out EBT cards like 'candy.' Is she right? What we found

The Rise of EBT Cards in Massachusetts: A Growing Concern

In recent months, Taunton City Councilor Kelly Dooner has been making headlines for her sharp criticisms of the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) over the significant increase in Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. This surge has led to widespread concern about the efficiency and oversight of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is funded by taxpayers.

The Numbers: An Alarming Trend

Dooner, who is running for the state Senate seat vacated by Sen. Marc Pacheco, has been at the forefront of this issue. Through her extensive Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, she uncovered some startling statistics. As of September 1, there are over 2.6 million active EBT cards in Massachusetts, a sharp increase from the 1.9 million active cards on July 1, 2023. This represents a growth of nearly 700,000 new EBT cards in just over a year, which is roughly 10% of the state's population.

The Concerns Raised by Dooner

Dooner's concerns are multifaceted. She has questioned the DTA about the locations where these EBT cards are being used, including whether they are being utilized outside of the United States. While the DTA has assured her that there are no records of any transactions taking place outside of the country, Dooner remains skeptical. Her primary worry is that this rapid increase in EBT cards could be indicative of a lack of oversight and potential fraud within the system.

Fraud and Mismanagement: A Growing Problem

The Massachusetts Bureau of Special Investigations, part of Auditor Diana DiZoglio's office, is already tasked with probing public benefits fraud. In the final quarter of fiscal 2024, the bureau uncovered $1.9 million in SNAP fraud, out of $2.4 million in total fraud across additional public assistance programs. This revelation only adds to Dooner's claim that there is an accountability problem within the program and that taxpayers' dollars need to be protected.

Public Reaction and Political Stance

The public reaction to this issue has been mixed. Some argue that the surge in EBT cards is due to an influx of migrants, while others point out that this is just one part of a broader issue with program management. MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale stated, "The surge in EBT cards over the past 14 months is staggering. While the connection between the migrant influx and the 672,483 new EBT cards seems likely, we won’t have the full picture until a comprehensive audit of the system is conducted".

Dooner's Call for an Audit

In response to these concerns, Dooner has called for a thorough audit of the EBT card system. She specifically requested that Auditor DiZoglio investigate how many people have duplicate EBT cards, how much money is on the cards, where they’re being used, how often recipients ask for replacement cards, and whether the cards are being spent on "necessities" by "legal residents". DiZoglio, though acknowledging Dooner's concerns, has already stated that her office is already auditing DTA as part of an effort to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.

Interviews with Dooner

In an interview with local media, Dooner emphasized her belief that there is a significant lack of fiscal responsibility within the DTA. "Obviously, the migrants play a role," she said, "but there must be a lack of oversight for the numbers to increase like this. Are we giving out multiple cards to anyone who wants them?" She further noted that with an average monthly payout per card, the total amount distributed could be as high as $300 million annually, contributing to the state's deficit.

Real People's Stories

One personal story that highlights Dooner's concerns comes from a single mother of two who works full-time but cannot afford an EBT card. "She told me she makes too much money to get an EBT card," Dooner recounted. "She’s working hard to do the right thing, and she can’t get any help. But at the same time, they’ve added almost 700,000 cards to the rolls." This anecdote underscores the complexity and inequity of the current system.

DTA's Response

The DTA has attempted to clarify the situation by stating that the active count includes individuals who are no longer eligible and those who have been turned down for benefits. They assert that this does not necessarily reflect the real number of people on welfare. However, the fact remains that over 2.6 million cards are listed as active, which includes both current and past beneficiaries. This explanation has raised more questions than it has answered.

Conclusion

The issue of EBT cards in Massachusetts is multifaceted and deeply concerning. While some argue that an influx of migrants is contributing to this surge, Dooner's call for an audit highlights broader issues with program management and oversight. As the state continues to grapple with this crisis, it is crucial to address these concerns transparently and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively.

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Additional Information

• Taunton City Councilor Kelly Dooner is a Republican candidate for the state Senate seat in the 3rd Bristol and Plymouth District. She has been a vocal advocate for transparency and accountability within state agencies.
• MassGOP has expressed support for Dooner’s call for an audit, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation into the EBT card system.
• Auditor Diana DiZoglio has already initiated audits of public assistance programs, including DTA, to address concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse.

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This article provides a comprehensive overview of the rising concerns about EBT cards in Massachusetts, highlighting both the statistics and the personal stories behind the issue. It underscores the need for a thorough audit and better oversight within the DTA to ensure that taxpayer funds are being utilized efficiently.