Boston, MA - Thanks to a FOIA request by State Senate candidate for the 3rd Bristol and Plymouth District, Taunton City Councilor Kelly Dooner, it has been revealed that 672,483 new EBT cards were added to the welfare rolls in just 14 months—a staggering 34.6% increase over the past year. Following the release of these EBT figures, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) disclosed more data, claiming they serve 1 million clients. However, there are currently over 2.6 million active EBT cards in the Commonwealth, raising serious concerns about accountability and oversight.

These numbers simply don’t add up. The MassGOP stands with Kelly Dooner and Senate Republicans in calling on State Auditor Diana DiZoglio to conduct a thorough audit of EBT cards in Massachusetts. Accountability is long overdue.

MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale commented on the recent revelation, stating, “The surge in EBT cards over the past 14 months is staggering. While the connection between the migrant influx and the 672,483 new EBT cards seems likely, we won’t have the full picture until a comprehensive audit of the system is conducted.”

State Senate Candidate, Kelly Dooner, provided comment stating, “The increase in EBT cards is astronomical. Clearly when there are 1 million so-called clients, but there are 2.6 million cards being used, there is a huge accountability problem. We need to ensure that our tax dollars are being used to help our legal residents in need, not be abused. That’s why today I have called for an audit of this program.”