Getting rid of waste or a waste of money? Lawmakers debate photo ID for FoodShare program

MADISON -- Wisconsin Republicans say millions of taxpayer dollars get wasted every year thanks to fraud in the state's FoodShare program. Now, they're moving forward with a requirement that recipients have photo IDs on their FoodShare debit cards.

A Republican-controlled Assembly committee is advancing a bill in response to stories like the FOX6 investigation which showed FoodShare recipients abusing the system. The new bill requires a photo ID on every debit card used in the FoodShare Nutrition Assistance Program.

But legally, grocery store clerks won't be able to actually check the photos.

Democrats say the bill is a waste of money.

According to estimates, the debit card ID would cost the state $7.4 million up front -- and then $2 million every year after that.

"There's a few losers as a result -- the taxpayers for one. We're breaking the bank to do absolutely nothing," said Rep. Andy Jorgensen (D - Milton).

Republicans say FoodShare fraud costs more -- maybe $14 million a year.

"It might sound like a minuscule number, but there's quite a bit of fraud at the recipient level," said Rep. Jesse Kremer (R - Kewaskum).

They say a photo ID will stop some of it because fraudsters won't bother getting their picture taken.

Democrats don't buy it. And for people who help out a disabled neighbor or grandparents, Democrats say they will lose out.

"The person behind me in line could see that I'm not you and start a whole kerfuffle," said Jorgensen.

Main and Massachusetts have this photo ID requirement. This bill now moves to the full Assembly, where it could get voted on as early as next week.