Some states banning items for welfare recipients

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) -- A growing number of states are banning tobacco, lottery tickets, and tattoos are among new restrictions in some states.

Beginning this summer, Minnesota's Department of Human Services has put bans on tobacco, alcohol, and gambling.

But in North Dakota, cash assistance is given on a debit card and not restricted.

Sidney Schock - Cass County Eligibility Supervisor: "I've heard the "Cadillac Welfare" stories. I've heard the Corvette full of steaks purchased with food stamps. They are, very often, incidents that one person witnessed or heard about, and it becomes folklore. Does it happen? Of course, it happens."

The only cash assistance program in North Dakota is "Temporary Assistance for Needy Families," or TANF.

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