Title:
Support SB 177
Message:
With the Missouri Legislature slated to adjourn Friday, it’s
clear that it will not be taking up medical marijuana legislation. However, a
bill that would restore public benefits eligibility to those with felony drug
convictions has a shot at passing before the end of the legislative session.
Please contact your
elected officials and urge them to support SB 177.
The
federal government passed legislation in 1996 that creates a lifetime ban on
anyone with a felony drug conviction, including marijuana-related convictions, from
receiving food stamps benefits. However, that legislation also allows states to
“opt out” of the ban, and 40 states have done just that.
Opting
out of the ban would not mean that those individuals would automatically be
eligible for benefits. They would still have to complete a drug treatment
program before they could apply, and they must meet other program eligibility
requirements. But it would give those with drug-related convictions who have
repaid their debt to society the tools they need to get back on their feet and
escape the cycle of crime and poverty that so often entangles people in the
criminal justice system for life.
Please
ask your legislators to support this sensible measure.
