SPRINGFIELD -- Cost-cutting legislators want Illinois to join a national push to fight fraud by adding identification photos to Illinois food-stamp cards, an idea that opponents say amplifies a negative stigma about food stamps and targets the poor instead of addressing the real problem.

Legislation to study the cost of adding photos triggered harsh words during the House debate, including accusations that the goal was to discourage people from signing up.

"Why are you picking on poor people?" asked Rep. Ken Dunkin, D-Chicago. "Don't vote no. Vote hell no!"

Conservatives, who say photo IDs would prevent people from selling LINK cards for cash or allowing other people to use the cards, got just as heated at the idea of anyone opposing efforts to reduce waste and fraud.

"Why are taxpayers paying for this?" Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, yelled three times during the debate.

The bill introduced by Rose to study the issue was approved 64-48 and now goes to the Senate.

That could mean more fireworks ahead as Illinois, like many other states, considers ways to reduce welfare costs.