State House Republican leaders say adding user photos to Link cards would be one way to save the state millions of dollars.
House Republican Leader Tom Cross was joined by Republican state Reps. Dan Brady, Adam Brown, Pam Roth and Barb Wheeler in Normal on Tuesday in announcing a new welfare reform package.
"There are folks that definitely do need help, whether that's in welfare or Medicaid," Cross was quoted by WJBC radio as saying. "We want to be there to make sure we have a system that is viable and can sustain itself but that is not abused."
Another part of the bill -- HB2784 -- would prevent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits from being used for alcohol, lottery tickets or firearms. A third part would prevent those in jail from receiving public aid.
Leaders didn't specify how much it would cost to upgrade the Link cards.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
