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Committee hears bill to add photo and signature to Michigan Bridge Cards
Summary
The Michigan House Committee on Government Operations heard testimony on House Bill 4288, which would require a photograph and signature on Bridge Cards (EBT). Supporters said it would curb fraud; opponents raised access and cost concerns and the House Fiscal Agency (HFA) flagged unclear net savings.
The House Committee on Government Operations heard testimony on House Bill 4288, which would require a photograph and signature to be captured and printed on Michigan Bridge Cards issued for food and cash assistance.
Proponent Representative Wolford, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure would limit unauthorized use and “reduce the unauthorized use such as, card trafficking or use by a non authorized individual.” He said the change could cut large-scale fraud, estimating a potential savings of about $3 billion and arguing that taxpayers are harmed by current misuse. “At the end of the day, we know there's waste, fraud, and abuse,” Wolford said.
The sponsor described the card as issued to one individual with one authorized user and said the…
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