Kansas lawmakers are working on a bill that will make it illegal for people receiving government aid to use the money to go to the cinema.
The plan intends for claimants to use benefits “more responsibly” and will also prohibit them from spending money on other recreational activities such as visiting theme parks, arcades and spas.
“We’re trying to make sure those benefits are used the way they were intended,” Kansas senator Michael O’Donnell told the Topeka Capital-Journal. “This is about prosperity. This is about having a great life.”
In Kansas, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programme provides payments of $497 (£333) per month for families of four. The new bill would result in families being able to withdraw $25 (£17) per day.
“I feel that 99% of the people who use TANF benefits, do it within boundaries that are set up,” O’Donnell continued. “But there are bad actors.”
The proposal has angered some, who believe it paints the poor in a negative light.
“I just think we are simply saying to people, ‘If you are asking for assistance in this state, you’re sort of less than other people and we’re going to tell you how and where to spend your money,’” state representative Carolyn Bridges, a Wichita Democrat, said during a debate.
The House 2258 bill is expected to pass this week and should come into effect on 1 July.
