“LaMalfa, R-Richvale, doesn't want felons to get food stamps, people in jail to get worker's compensation and sex offenders to go onto school grounds to vote.” Well, he certainly knows how to push all of the “hot buttons” that the non-thinking electorate favors.
The first item got my attention…the other two items are no-brainers; he chose them to make sure he got some press attention.
“In 1996, Congress passed a measure barring persons convicted of felony drug offenses from receiving food stamps for the rest of their lives.
I was raised to believe that when you broke the law, you were punished. You did the time, as they often say. Seemed fair to me. But, LaMalfa believes that when you commit a crime, you are punished…forever. In his narrow and spiteful world, you’re a “good guy” or a “bad guy”, never a “bad guy” trying to become good.
“However, states were given the option of not following this federal law. Legislatures in more than 30 states have voted to extend food-stamp eligibility to convicted drug felons.”
“In 2004, California joined these states when a bill supported by Democrats and opposed by Republicans passed and was signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger.”
The federal ban on food stamps for drug felons has been criticized by many drug treatment providers … they argue the ban unfairly targets people of color (especially women) and that it may interfere with ex-convicts' efforts to kick their drug habits. No kidding!
“David Reade, LaMalfa's chief of staff, said his boss believes all felons -- not just drug felons -- should be ineligible for food stamps, and he'll introduce a bill calling for such a ban.” Sure, if someone is trying to climb out of the hole they have dug for themselves, why not take the ladder away…and kick in some dirt while you’re at it!
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