Missouri: Bill would restore food stamp
As frustrating as it has been to move the medical marijuana bill forward this year, it is encouraging to see progress being made elsewhere. SB 764 would restore food stamp eligibility to Missourians convicted of drug offenses, including marijuana offenses.
The bill was debated by the Senate on March 4, but was set aside without a vote after being attacked by senators who didn't seem to think people who have been convicted of drug possession need to eat.
Whether it will be brought back up depends on several things, but one of the most important is whether senators are aware that there is support among their constituency for this bill.
Under the United States Code (USC), persons convicted of a federal or state law involving felonious possession, use or distribution of a controlled substance, including marijuana, can be stripped for life of their eligibility to receive food stamps. Luckily, the USC also allows states to opt out of this ill-advised law, which is exactly what SB 764 would do.
Taking food away from a person and their family because of a marijuana conviction does nothing but breed contempt for our laws and is bad public policy.
The Missouri Association for Social Welfare reports that over 16,000 Missourians currently suffer from this cruel law, which has caused Missouri to lose $14 million in federal funding to aid our citizens.
Please call your senator today and show your support for SB 764. If you are directed to leave a message, it can be as simple as "Hello, my name is ____________, and I am from ____________. Please pass SB 764 so people with marijuana convictions can receive food stamps. Thank you."
Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project and all of our allies. Please pass this alert on to others in Missouri who might be interested in helping ensure this bill passes. | 
