NH Senate Backs Changes To Welfare Verification System

The New Hampshire Senate has voted to allow a new verification system for welfare applicants and recipients as a way to detect fraud and save money, but it wants to see the savings before it pays for it.

The Senate on Wednesday approved an amendment to a House bill requiring the state to expand the public databases used to screen applicants. House Speaker William O'Brien says using the technology will root out fraudulent claims and save money.

But Senate President Peter Bragdon says there's no guarantee any money will be saved. His amendment would allow the state to hire a vendor to do the searches, but the vendor would be paid a percentage of any savings.