Electronic Benefit Transactions – Oregon

Some Oregonians receiving government assistance are cashing out at casinos, bars and strip clubs, By Michelle Cole, April 29, 2012, The Oregonian: “Oregonians who received assistance from the state to help pay rent, put gas in the car and feed their children withdrew some of that cash last year in casinos, liquor stores and strip clubs. State government disperses about $16 million a month to low-income families through its ‘Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program.’ Only the poorest qualify for the money, which is dispersed through electronic ‘Oregon Trail’ cards that work like debit cards. More than 600,000 transaction records covering July 2011 through December and released by the state Department of Human Services show that most people used those cards at supermarkets, discount stores and gas stations. But an analysis by The Oregonian also finds that the cards were used to withdraw cash or make purchases at casinos, bars, liquor stores and other venues that don’t appear to meet the government’s goal of helping struggling families…”