A comprehensive review of Missouri's welfare rolls designed to remove ineligible recipients is appropriate, not only to protect taxpayers, but to protect qualified beneficiaries.
Such a review will occur, after Gov. Jay Nixon took no action on a measure approved by the Legislature. If a governor fails to sign or veto legislation by deadline, on Thursday this year, the measure becomes law.
The bill will require the Missouri Department of Social Services to contract with a private company to review the roster of welfare recipients. The process will check eligibility for food stamps, child care, Medicaid and temporary assistance for needy families.
The company will forward questionable cases to the state agency for further review and a final determination regarding eligibility.
In an announcement, Nixon's staff said, and the state agency affirmed, an independent review already is being sought.
No matter. The results of the review are more important than the genesis.
And, although we share our readers skepticism of the propensity for government to contract services, this is a case where it appears both necessary and desirable.
Supporters noted during the legislative session the independent review is not designed to duplicate the work of state employees, but to allow them to focus on their cases.
In addition, proponents said said similar verification reviews in other states have saved millions in both state and federal dollars.
As we said in this forum on Feb. 16: "Fraud and deceit undermine compassionate programs designed to assist people in need. Welfare cheats not only cheat the system, they cheat the legitimate recipients of welfare benefits."
We support the review as a method to affirm the credibility of the welfare system by reducing fraud, assisting legitimate beneficiaries and protecting taxpayers.