There was a great article yesterday on oaklandnorth.net (http://oaklandnorth.net/...)about folks trying to help this vulnerable group, and the cretins opposing their efforts. Here's the background from the article:
The drug felon ban is part of the 1996 Welfare Reform Act signed by former president Bill Clinton. Unlike previous welfare laws, the act required aid recipients to work at a job or job-training program in exchange for a monthly general assistance check; the change was intended to help families move from welfare to self-sufficiency.
The drug felon ban was introduced with the Welfare Reform Act as an opt-in proposal for states. It gave states the choice to make former drug offenders ineligible for Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
There is no good argument against restoring these benefits for convicted felons - doing so will stimulate local economies and reduce state expenditures in other areas. It will also reduce human suffering and reduce crime.
This is a hopeful story, running counter to the desperation, nihilism, and narcissism that is engulfing this country as the (oligarch/plutocrat funded) right wing attempt to drive us into barbarism.
Here's the cast of characters:
Good guys:
Assemblymember Sandre Swanson
Ecaterina Burton
Frankie Fardella
Those needing education:
Assemblymember Connie Conway
California District Attorneys Association
Unexpected Allies:
Moody's Analytics
Misguided Liberals:
Bill Clinton