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Patrick Agrees To Photo ID On Welfare Cards

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick says he will support a requirement that photo identification be placed on Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards used by welfare recipients, but is asking lawmakers to amend the proposal before he signs it.

The amendment would require state officials to conduct a review after three years of the effectiveness of photo identification on the cards.

Patrick also said Thursday he would request $2.5 million to implement the requirement, which was attached to a $125 million spending bill to cover outstanding costs for the fiscal year that ended June 30.

Supporters of requiring photo IDs on EBT cards say it will help cut down on fraud and abuse.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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