Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the Making Essentials Affordable and Lawful (MEAL) Act to lift restrictions on the receipt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits for people with prior felony drug convictions.
“SNAP and TANF are critical supports that would help Americans as they transition back to their communities after incarceration. Once a person has served their time, we should be ensuring they have the tools to succeed and become productive members of society. Denying access to safety net programs only puts needless obstacles in their path. I am pleased to work with Representatives Cohen, Moore, and Watson Coleman on this crucial legislation ensuring formerly incarcerated Americans have a fair chance at success and self-sufficiency,” said Congresswoman Hayes.
“Thousands of people released from state and federal prisons each year re-enter society and find significant challenges, including lifetime bans on food assistance and TANF. This bill would repeal the 1996 ban on people with drug felony convictions receiving SNAP and TANF, and it would allow them to apply for these programs before their release so that they can meet their basic needs on day one, reducing the likelihood of recidivism and increasing the quality of life of those aiming to reintegrate into their communities,” said Congressman Cohen.
“When you serve your time, the punishment shouldn't continue after incarceration. We need to give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives after incarceration, and that starts with ensuring they have access to the resources that can keep them afloat. People of color are still forced to bear the consequences for the War on Drugs, including bars to basic needs such as food aid, and it's time we redress this injustice and pass the MEAL Act,” said Congresswoman Moore.
“Reentering Americans face enough hurdles upon leaving prison without also facing the threat of going hungry. As we continue to reform our criminal justice system, lifting lifetime bans on food assistance programs is an important step in both demonstrating our humanity and reducing recidivism. Maintaining such a ban on during a pandemic and economic crisis is both cruel and counterproductive,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman.
“A drug conviction should never be the basis to deny a person their most basic needs. During this unprecedented time of COVID-19 and record unemployment, federal programs like SNAP and TANF are a lifeline for millions of Americans, ensuring they can still put food on the table and keep the lights on. Those with felony drug convictions—and especially those transitioning to society following involvement in the criminal legal system—already face significant barriers to obtaining employment and, in many cases, are the first to be let go during times like these. Having to go hungry should not be an additional barrier, especially when they have already paid such an overly severe price under the U.S.’ draconian drug laws,” said Grant Smith, Deputy Director of the Office of National Affairs at the Drug Policy Alliance.
To fix this problem, the MEAL Act would lift SNAP and TANF restrictions for people with prior felony drug convictions. In addition, the bill would codify the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waiver that allows prisoners to apply for SNAP and TANF up to 30 days before they are released, ensuring that they will be able to meet their basic needs as soon as they reenter society.
The measure has 22 original cosponsors.
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Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District.