Massachusetts lawmakers have released a compromise bill intended to overhaul the state's welfare system.
The bill would revive a state program originally established in 1995 designed to help place welfare recipients in full-time work and require the Department of Transitional Assistance to have specialists who are assigned to help high-risk recipients.
The bill also includes a program to help recipients save money for first, last and security rent payments and for education while increasing penalties for store owners who knowingly allow the purchase of prohibited products or services with an electronic benefits transfer card.
Senate President Therese Murray says the bill "outlines thoughtful changes to our welfare system" and will help the state's overall economy.
Murray says the Senate could vote to accept the compromise bill as early as Thursday.
