Federal Ban Denies Convicted Addicts Recovery Services

To the Editor:
We all know about the local and nation-wide epidemic of heroin addiction and the crimes that come with this problem. Many have an opinion, but if you don’t know the roadblocks it is hard to understand why it is not so easy for people to change.
Since 1996, there has been a federal ban for those with felony drug convictions to receive general assistance, TANF or any kind of federal, state or county funding to get the recovery services and things such as housing or cash to not only fight their addiction but also re-enter society as a law abiding citizen. Being denied these services, in my opinion, does not help them to change their lives. Most feel no choice but to commit thefts, burglaries, shoplifting and similar crimes just to be able to have a bed to sleep in and have food in their stomachs. Also, being without the proper help in these areas, they continue to use and may feel depressed and feel worthless, if not also suicidal. Needless to say, they continue in a downward spiral until eventually they end up incarcerated, institutionalized or dead.
Many actually beg for help to no avail, and the organizations they contact want to help but they can only follow current laws and regulations. I do understand that many feel it is a personal choice, but what choice do you have when options are so limited and confusing? When these people try over and over with no change in the answers they get, they give up.
What most do not understand is that this is something that can be changed. This is not a new idea. It has been changed by 26 states, in one way or another. The current ban can either be eliminated all together or a change in limitations, such as a period of ineligibility, possibly six months or a year. Compliance with parole or probation – partial benefits. Community service, drug testing while receiving benefits or other limitations all in conjunction or in different varieties. So I don’t think we should just give such felons these resources; they should work for them but I feel they should at least be given the opportunity.
I ask you voice your opinion to the representatives that can help this change move along, as I have been doing so for the past 18 months. Please contact Sen. Jeff Van Drew’s office and ask him to introduce legislation to change the federal ban on felons with drug convictions to be able to receive benefits through social services for general assistance, TANF, and recovery services. Whether you agree with my opinions or not, let us continue this debate and show people you care and you want to be heard.
Thank you for reading my letter to the editor and your interest on this subject. If you would like to comment directly to me, need help with something or anything else, please feel free to e-mail me at jay08251@gmail.com.