Assemblyman Huff Votes Against Giving Food Stamps To Drug Felons

Assemblymember Bob Huff, today voted against legislation that would give taxpayer-funded food stamps to drug felons, including traffickers, manufacturers and dealers.

“I am outraged and dismayed that Assembly Democrats approve of giving food stamps to drug felons. This measure undermines welfare reform, rewards drug criminals and could be misused by these felons to support their drug habit,” said Huff.

Assembly Bill 1996 would allow those convicted of the most serious drug felonies, including dealers, traffickers, and manufacturers, to receive taxpayer-funded food stamps upon their release. Under the bill, felons need only be placed on a waiting list for treatment or found to be drug free by state officials to qualify for food stamps.

“It is irresponsible to be giving away taxpayer-funded benefits to drug criminals when other vital programs are on the budget chopping block. This bill would invite more fraud and abuse of the food stamp program and undermine historic welfare reforms that have been successful in moving Californians from welfare to work,” stated Huff.

AB 1996 was approved on the Assembly floor with only Democrat support.