Gov. Patrick, State House Clash Over EBT Card Legislation

07:54

July 12, 2012

Deval Patrick was a bit outnumbered in his latest disagreement with the Mass. House — they voted 152-1 to reject his amendment regarding food stamps. (AP)

There's an extraordinary disagreement building on Beacon Hill this week. It's not the traditional one that usually divides members on either side of the aisle — it's between Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick and the Democratically controlled Massachusetts House.

The issue: EBT cards, or food stamps. On Wednesday, the House voted 152 to 1 against an amendment Patrick offered that would soften significant restrictions on how and where food stamps could be used in Massachusetts.

The governor calls the push for EBT reform "political grandstanding."

But 152 to 1? Even dyed-in-the wool progressive Democrats voted against the governor, which means they were essentially voting for a crackdown on food spending.

Guest:

Ruth Balser, Democratic State Rep. for Newton

More:

Senate Rejects Patrick’s EBT, Hospital Amendments

This segment aired on July 12, 2012.