Clients on WIC only have the opportunity to purchase items on their voucher once. If WIC clients do not purchase all items, needed or not at that time, on the one transaction, they lose the opportunity to purchase items at a later date when they may need them. Most fraud associated with the Lone Star system is through the PIN, either by selling the PIN to non-qualified users or by dishonest clerks using the PIN without the client's authorization. The retailers support the use of finger imaging to reduce PIN fraud. Retailers are concerned about the potential increase in cost for processing Smart Cards.
Language is a concern with a greater percent of Hispanic residents.
Projections are that the Hispanic population in Texas by 2020 will be 50 percent. This increase could occur much sooner. Training and education is a major concern. When the Lone Star system is down more than a few minutes, benefits can not be provided. Grocers can not allow the purchases.