Mass. Lawmakers Increasing Calls For Welfare Reform

BOSTON (AP) — Efforts to eliminate fraud from Massachusetts' welfare system are expected to get plenty of attention on Beacon Hill in the coming weeks.

A recent report from state Auditor Suzanne Bump faulted the Department of Transitional Assistance for missing opportunities to investigate and potentially stop payments of up to $15 million to people who should not have been receiving benefits.

The audit also found that benefits had been paid to more than 1,000 people after they died, though Gov. Deval Patrick's administration later disputed those figures.

On Tuesday, a legislative committee holds a hearing on several bills including Republican proposals to require that welfare recipients provide proof of state and U.S. residency.

Senate leaders are expected to file a comprehensive welfare reform bill in the coming weeks.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.