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Corbett: Cutting Down On Welfare Fraud Could Provide Some Budget Relief

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Pennsylvania House Republicans have rolled out their plan to crack down on fraud and abuse in the state's welfare programs.

While most of the benefits would be long-term, state House Republicans believe savings in welfare programs can be used to offset Governor Corbett's proposed higher education cuts in the next budget.

The governor has indicated he's not comfortable with budgeting for those savings.

"I would hope we're going to be able to find that," Corbett said. "I believe we're going to be able to find that. But I would not balance a budget [on that]."

Delaware County Republican William Adolph, the House Appropriations Chairman, disagrees.

"If we know there's fraud out there, I think – of course you can budget. A budget is just an estimate, it's a projection."

The House GOP proposals include bills that require the use of photo ID for recipients, that create tougher measures to confirm eligibility, increase penalties for welfare fraud, and require drug felons who apply for benefits to be tested for drugs.

Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio

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