rockin'robin
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Residents in nearly two dozen states may soon have to follow new guidelines to garner public assistance such as food stamps and welfare, USA Today reports. Recently passed and pending legislation in multiple states requires recipients to take drug tests, show photo identification, perform community service or prohibits some convicted felons from gaining welfare approval.
The American Civil Liberties Union is embroiled in a battle with Florida to end the state's new drug testing law.
Outlined below is how different states are dealing with similar issues:
Photo Identification in 10 States
Ten states are considering legislation to require applicant present photo identification in order to receive electronic benefit cards or food stamps. Reducing fraud is the primary reason such legislation is gaining support, according to the Bangor Daily News.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as food stamps, is a federal program that requires each state be responsible for distribution costs. A majority of Democrats who testified at a Maine photo identification bill hearing called the pending bill an "assault on the poor," the Bangor Daily News reports.
Felon Restrictions in Tennessee and Ohio
Both Tennessee and Ohio are discussing bills to completely eliminate or restrict public aid to individuals convicted of drug-related felonies, according to USA Today. Eleven states currently have similar laws restricting government assistance from specific types of felons.
News America Media (NAM) reports Missouri, Delaware and West Virginia are considering legislation to remove the bans. Food stamp restrictions opponents consider the ban disproportionately impacts people of color because minorities are more likely to be convicted of drug crimes than whites, according to NAM.
Community Service in New Jersey, Mississippi and North Carolina
New Jersey, Mississippi and North Carolina are reviewing legislation which would require social services program recipient perform community service hours to receive taxpayer funded benefits. Mississippi bill sponsor Senator Nancy Collins told WAPT News that community service work would help the unemployed on public assistance build their resumes.
States requiring or considering community services hours allow exceptions for those physically unable to complete volunteer hours.
Drug Testing in Florida
A recently passed Florida law mandates all welfare and food stamp recipients be tested for illegal drug usage. A small fee charge per test is refunded if the recipient passes the test, the Herald Tribune reports. Missouri and Arizona currently require drug testing of public aid recipients if caseworkers "reasonably" suspect the use of illegal drugs, USA Today reports. Colorado lawmakers are currently debating a bill to require welfare recipients to pass a drug test before receiving any type of government assistance.
ACLU attorney Jason Williamson stated during a USA Today interview that drug testing laws of public assistance recipients unfairly "stigmatizes" them. The Washington Post reports more than two dozen states are considering mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients. Some states are also considering including nicotine testing to drug screenings.
State Welfare and Food Stamp Requirement Changes Comparison - Yahoo! News
The American Civil Liberties Union is embroiled in a battle with Florida to end the state's new drug testing law.
Outlined below is how different states are dealing with similar issues:
Photo Identification in 10 States
Ten states are considering legislation to require applicant present photo identification in order to receive electronic benefit cards or food stamps. Reducing fraud is the primary reason such legislation is gaining support, according to the Bangor Daily News.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as food stamps, is a federal program that requires each state be responsible for distribution costs. A majority of Democrats who testified at a Maine photo identification bill hearing called the pending bill an "assault on the poor," the Bangor Daily News reports.
Felon Restrictions in Tennessee and Ohio
Both Tennessee and Ohio are discussing bills to completely eliminate or restrict public aid to individuals convicted of drug-related felonies, according to USA Today. Eleven states currently have similar laws restricting government assistance from specific types of felons.
News America Media (NAM) reports Missouri, Delaware and West Virginia are considering legislation to remove the bans. Food stamp restrictions opponents consider the ban disproportionately impacts people of color because minorities are more likely to be convicted of drug crimes than whites, according to NAM.
Community Service in New Jersey, Mississippi and North Carolina
New Jersey, Mississippi and North Carolina are reviewing legislation which would require social services program recipient perform community service hours to receive taxpayer funded benefits. Mississippi bill sponsor Senator Nancy Collins told WAPT News that community service work would help the unemployed on public assistance build their resumes.
States requiring or considering community services hours allow exceptions for those physically unable to complete volunteer hours.
Drug Testing in Florida
A recently passed Florida law mandates all welfare and food stamp recipients be tested for illegal drug usage. A small fee charge per test is refunded if the recipient passes the test, the Herald Tribune reports. Missouri and Arizona currently require drug testing of public aid recipients if caseworkers "reasonably" suspect the use of illegal drugs, USA Today reports. Colorado lawmakers are currently debating a bill to require welfare recipients to pass a drug test before receiving any type of government assistance.
ACLU attorney Jason Williamson stated during a USA Today interview that drug testing laws of public assistance recipients unfairly "stigmatizes" them. The Washington Post reports more than two dozen states are considering mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients. Some states are also considering including nicotine testing to drug screenings.
State Welfare and Food Stamp Requirement Changes Comparison - Yahoo! News