Drug Abuse Convicts Would be allowed to get Food Stamps
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Drug Abuse Convicts Would be allowed to get Food Stamps

Date: May 5, 2014
By: Jeffrey Militzer
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 680

Intro: 
A drug felon told a Missouri House committee to pass the bill allowing felons to use food stamps.
RunTime:  0:35
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The Missouri House Government Oversight and Accountability Committee heard testimony for a senate passed measure to allow drug abuse convicts to receive food stamps.

Drug convicts are currently the only felony convicts not allowed to use food stamps.

Former drug felon Christine McDonald said this would help people like her get their lives back in order.

Actuality:  FOOD1.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "We have a thing in recovery, I'm sure you guys all know about it, it's HALT. We never let an addict get too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired."

The bill requires convicts to join or have previously completed a drug abuse treatment program.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jeffrey Militzer.

Intro: 
A convicted drug felon said allowing drug felons to use food stamps would help their recovery to a House committee.
RunTime:  0:43
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The Missouri House Committee on Government Oversight heard public testimony on a senate sponsored bill that would grant drug convicts the right to use food stamps.

Under current law, people convicted of drug related felonies are banned from receiving food stamps.

Former drug felon Christine McDonald said the current law is unfair.

Actuality:  FOOD2.WAV
Run Time:  00:14
Description: "I could have gone into the dope house and shot five people and walked out and got out of prison one day and got food stamps. And I suffered from the disease of addiction and am banned for life. I don't need your food stamps but the reality is this is bad policy."

The measure would limit drug convicts from getting food stamps if they are not part of a treatment program.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jeffrey Militzer.