LANSING, Mich. -

A Republican Michigan lawmaker is seeking to crack down on welfare abuse by ensuring the state isn't giving out food assistance to dead people.

The House Family, Children and Seniors Committee approved a bill last week that would require the Department of Human Services to check the U.S. Social Security Death Index once a month to see if a Bridge Card recipient has died.

Bridge Cards are used like debit cards for state food assistance and cash programs.

Rep. Tim Kelly of Saginaw is sponsoring the legislation. He says it is a "common sense way" to keep the state's "welfare system strong and free from abuse" and ensure "more efficient use of taxpayer dollars."

The bill will now be considered by the full House.

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