St. Anthony’s Continues Support for AB 828

In June, advocates from St. Anthony’s traveled to Sacramento to testify on behalf of AB 828 (Swanson). AB 828, also known as the Nutritional Assistance for Families Act, would lift the lifetime ban on CalFresh (the new name for California’s “food stamp” program) assistance for people with prior drug felony convictions.

California is one of a handful of states that has opted in to the federal ban on food stamp benefits for people with drug related felony convictions that have occurred after 1996.  Drug related felonies are the only type of felony convictions that disqualify a person from receiving CalFresh benefits.

Tomorrow, August 17, we will travel to Sacramento again to meet with state Senators to talk to them about the importance of AB 828.   Advocates who are participants in St. Anthony’s drug and alcohol rehab program, the Father Alfred Center are coming to Sacramento to tell legislators that we believe that CalFresh benefits are critical for successful community re-entry and economic self-sufficiency. Denied these benefits, individuals who have already paid their debt to society are unable to secure nutritious food for their families.

Want to join us?  You don’t have to trek to Sacramento to make your voice heard!  Click here to sign an online petition in support of AB 828.  We currently have 611 signatures.  We’d love to be able to get up to 828!  Please sign the petition and share it with your friends.