Drug Felons Denied Welfare Benefits
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A new state law prohibits an individual convicted of a felony for possession, use or distribution of a controlled substance from being eligible to receive welfare benefits. “Welfare benefits are supposed to be for the needy and if you’re buying or selling drugs, you’re not in too much of a need,” said Jackson resident, Ethel Comer. The new law went into affect July 1 and applies to welfare recipients convicted on or after July 1, 2011 and extends for a period of three years unless the individual receives treatment for substance abuse. Benefits to children would not be affected under provisions of the bill. There are opinions on both sides of the issue. “I don’t think a person should be cut off from welfare because I think help is help. If you need it, it should be where you can receive that help….The lord gives us a first, a second chance or however many times it takes us to get it right,” said Jackson resident, Gary Smith. The bill was sponsored by Republican Senator Jim Tracy of Shelbyville. “It is not fair for hardworking taxpayers to subsidize welfare payments for those who have been convicted of felony drug charges,” said Senator Tracy. He adds, “This bill gives these individuals notice that our charity is extended as long as they enroll and successfully complete treatment. The bill, however, puts a stop to endless payments to those who continue to ignore our drug laws and who continue to abuse the system for public assistance.”
