SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) measure to curtail welfare abuse in Illinois passed the Senate today.

“This proposal protects families in need who qualify for public assistance, like Supplemental Nutrition Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled,” Holmes said.  “It will reduce the number of applicants being taken advantage of in completing or submitting an application for public assistance programs.”

The bill was introduced in response to a situation near Holmes’ district where an individual was soliciting their assistance in the benefit application process in exchange for a portion of those benefits.

Holmes’ measure would make it a misdemeanor for anyone to take advantage of applicants for public assistance programs in exchange for a portion of the benefits.

Instead, it would encourage qualified applicants to seek out advice from legitimate authorities like state agencies or non-profits on their benefits.

The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 57-0. It passed the House unanimously and now moves to the Governor for further action.