Brownback Signs Welfare ATM Withdrawal Limit Bill

Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a bill that allows the state to change controversial limits on the amount of money welfare recipients could withdraw from ATMs.

The bill does not eliminate the restriction. It allows the secretary of the Department for Children and Families to increase or eliminate the $25-per-day limit on ATM withdrawals with a state cash assistance card.

Supporters of the legislation said it would prevent fraud but critics called it mean-spirited.

After the bill passed in April, lawmakers became aware that it might violate federal law, raising the possibility the state could lose $102 million in federal aid.

The bill also increases a tax on health maintenance organizations from 1 percent to 3.31 percent on premiums and subscription charges.