RESOLUTION NO. _____________

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

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RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY BILL 828 (SWANSON), FOOD STAMPS: ELIGIBILITY: DRUG FELONIES

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RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, that

WHEREAS, California currently opts into the federal prohibition for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility for persons convicted of drug trafficking or who have been convicted of soliciting, inducing, encouraging or intimidating a minor to participate in such crimes; and

WHEREAS, California currently opts out of the federal prohibition on CalFresh (food stamps) eligibility for individuals convicted of a use or possession-related drug felony who can prove completion, participation in, enrollment in, or placement on a waiting list for a government-recognized drug treatment program or provide other evidence that illegal use of controlled substances has ceased; and

WHEREAS, California’s CalFresh program has moved to an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system that virtually eliminates the opportunity for recipients to convert food assistance into drugs; and

WHEREAS, studies have shown that without basic support (i.e., food assistance) former drug felons are inclined to return to criminal activity and drug use instead of attaining sobriety and gainful employment; and

WHEREAS, public safety realignment proposes to increase the numbers of ex-drug felons seeking food assistance; and

WHEREAS, food assistance and achieving economic self-sufficiency is central to the Mission of the County’s Human Services Agency; and

WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 828 would allow individuals convicted of drug-related felonies to receive CalFresh benefits.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY DETERMINED AND ORDERED that the Board of Supervisors by the adoption of this resolution hereby supports Assembly Bill 828 (Swanson) regarding food stamps eligibility and drug felonies.

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