The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program would be off-limits for drug offenders under a bill approved in a House Committee on Thursday.
State Rep. Sonny Borelli’s bill requires the courts to inform DES of a drug user’s conviction. Borelli says it’s an approach already in use for other offenses.
“We are the vanguard and guardian of the taxpayer dollars and we want those benefits to go to the right people, not somebody abusing the system,” Borelli said.
Opponents argue denying TANF benefits to addicts is just punishing their children, adding that it’s time drug abuse was treated more as a sickness than a crime. The bill is now headed to the House Rules Committee.