A new food stamp issuance system utilizing debit-type computer-access cards was well received Wednesday by the Senate Youth and Human Services Committee.
Human Services Commissioner Sedonie Halbert explained the Electronic Benefit Transfer System (EBT), saying it would eliminate long lines at food stamp offices. It would use a system similar to a debit-card account.
Senate President Vargrave Richards, a committee member, cited the problem of long lines at the Fredricksted Food Stamp Office. The chronic problem in one instance recently required police intervention. There have also been long lines and many complaints at the St. Thomas Food Stamp Office, especially after the recent storms.
Halbert said the system would eliminate the need for lines.
In addition to explaining the EBT system, Halbert, assisted by Human Resources staff members Ermin Boschulte and Coleen Evans, told the committee of some major provisions of the federal Welfare Reform Act, notably stricter penalties for violating food stamp regulations.
Halbert said all states and territories must implement the EBT system by Oct. 1, 2002, unless exception is made because of unusual barriers to implementation.
