1 week Ago
State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue has introduced LB319 that would eliminate Nebraska’s lifetime ban on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for individuals with certain drug-related convictions. The League of Women Voters of Nebraska supports a focus on humane treatment and rehabilitation with the goal of promoting the successful re-entry of those incarcerated into communities.
We ask that our legislators approve LB319. Eligibility for SNAP benefits — commonly known as food stamps — for released felons is a common-sense first step to successful reentry into the community. Nebraska recognizes the importance of supporting a successful transition to the community and even suggests federal food benefits as resources available to newly released individuals.
However, because of a rule created in 1996 as part of the “War on Drugs,” certain drug-related felons are dealt a lifelong ban from food benefits in Nebraska and some other states. People are also reading..
. Most states have either opted out of this federal ban or adopted some restrictions, such as drug testing or treatment programs, to qualify for SNAP. Current Nebraska law prohibits food stamp eligibility for some individuals with felonies, including drug-related charges such as use or possession.
Nebraska remains one of the few states that impose unusually arduous conditions on access to SNAP benefits, coupling limits on what convictions may be eligible with mandatory program participation, waiting periods and random drug testing. The League supports LB319 as it attempts to remedy a wrong against those convicted of drug-related crimes that has extended their punishment past the date. Joanna Lindberg, government co-chair of the League of Women Voters of Nebraska, Omaha Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!.
