Senator Kenneth P. LaValle today announced that he voted against the elimination of finger imaging for certain food stamp recipients.  Under the measure passed by Senate Democrats, individuals and families applying for food stamps only would not be subject to finger imaging.

“In these tough economic times, many families are in need of some form of assistance,” said Senator LaValle.  “However, to remove the checks and balances opens the door for waste, fraud, and abuse.   While it is important to protect much-needed services, it is equally important to ensure that taxpayers are not footing the bill for those who would cheat the system.”

Senator LaValle noted that, last year, the Democrats passed a measure to eliminate finger imaging for Medicaid applicants.