Forget that the money was earmarked for smoking prevention and cessation programs aimed at children, and to recoup the state's costs in treating smoking-related illness. Lawmakers should go much further to assure children don't suffer delays in necessities such as food, clothing and shelter because of clerical problems with child-support payments. The money is available to solve the check-delay problem so no parent has to wait even a day. A reserve fund could be established. It could be tapped to offset the amount of the questionable check, then replenished when the check is cleared.
Lawmakers can solve the problem if they want to.