The efforts of Pima County to persuade the state Legislature to opt out of the federal ban on food stamps and cash assistance to those convicted of felony drug offenses is a positive step worthy of public support.
Why does this proposal have the support of prosecutors such as the county attorney and the United States attorney? Because it is the responsibility of prosecutors to promote public safety not only by prosecuting those who violate the law but also by doing what they can to deter crime.
As noted in a Dec. 21 story, those who have been prosecuted and have paid their debt to society by serving their sentence often need help readjusting to life outside of prison. As felons, they automatically face obstacles to obtaining employment and housing. To deny benefits to them serves only to undermine their chances of successfully re-entering society as productive, contributing members and increases the chances that they will again resort to criminal activity.
It is the recognition of this reality that informs the national effort, led by the Department of Justice, to advocate for re-entry programs to assist those coming out of our prisons to successfully rejoin our communities. Removing obstacles to successful reintegration is not only in the best interest of the individual felon, but of the community as well.
We all benefit when a convicted felon is employed, paying taxes and providing for his or her family after leaving prison rather than victimizing the community through a return to crime. I also urge the Legislature to opt out of the federal ban on food stamps and cash aid to convicted drug felons.
