BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Welfare recipients could soon see tougher regulations on where they can spend their money. While many people on welfare use those benefits to buy food and other household items they need, a state lawmaker says some people are spending those tax dollars at strip clubs, for things like psychics or tattoos.

Most people who qualify for food stamps, more than likely will also qualify for TANF, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. This is a cash assistance program. A recipient is given an EBT card, and just like a bank card it can be used at ATM's. For some families that's several hundred dollars a month.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Several Birmingham lawmakers are taking a step toward fighting elder abuse. They joined Senator Cam Ward in Alabaster on Monday to update the progress of new legislation.

Researchers say 6,000 cases of elder abuse are reported each year, but these lawmakers fear many are not reported. That is why state lawmakers are pushing for this bill

According to experts, neglect and financial exploitation are the most common problems when it comes to elder abuse.

Sen. Ward authored the bill and Monday, he spoke to senior citizens in Alabaster about the specifics of the bill.

Part of that talk included sharing the story of Virginia Frick, who from 2006 to 2010 swindled out of $2.5 million by a man named Joe Giddens, a family friend who was appointed power of attorney.

Giddens received a penalty of 10 years in prison, the same as it would have been had he illegally gained $150 from his victim.