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Bill Would Allow Drug Felons To Collect Food Stamps

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- People who are convicted of drug-related felonies could soon be collecting California food stamps.

The state Assembly approved legislation Monday to lift the ban that prevents drug felons from receiving the federal benefits, known in California as CalFresh.

AB828 passed 46-30 with support only from Democrats, though some voted against the measure. It now heads to the Senate.

Assemblyman SandrDe Swanson, who sponsored the bill, says the people who would benefit from the change have paid their debt to society by serving their prison sentences. The Alameda Democrat hopes the legislation will reduce California's prison recidivism rate.

Republicans who opposed AB828 said taxpayer dollars shouldn't be funding convicts, who could misuse the money.

Swanson's bill would cost the state nothing, but draws down federal dollars to feed approved applicants.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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