Press Release 12/17/5

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Sandra B. Cunningham and Senator Joseph F. Vitale removing the eligibility restrictions for receiving general assistance benefits under the Work First New Jersey program for people who have been convicted of an offense involving the use, possession, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance was approved today by the full Senate.

“We as a state should show compassion for these individuals who ultimately still have families to support, and are working to turn their lives around,” said Senator Cunningham (D-Hudson). “This is a small way to help our residents access the resources they need to get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. This bill could also reduce homelessness in our state; the money from the Work First New Jersey program can go a long way in terms of helping individuals who have just gotten out of prison to pay for shelter stays and different rental assistance programs. It gets them off the streets and under a roof.”

The Work First New Jersey general assistance program provides an essential lifeline for those most in need. Eligible New Jersey residents are provided a small cash subsidy of approximately $140 per month, depending on family size and whether the recipient is disabled.

“A person’s family should not be forced to pay a price for something that happened to their loved one in the past,” said Senator Vitale (D-Middlesex). “This bill looks to make the necessary changes to bring fairness to those who are trying to rebuild their lives and be productive citizens. This piece of legislation will help these families as they strive to move their lives forward and not limit them. These are still families that need to be fed, and cared for, and they shouldn’t be denied that.”

Prior to 1997, New Jersey’s general assistance program did not deny benefits based on an individual’s drug convictions. In 1996, however, federal legislation was enacted disqualifying individuals with drug convictions from Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While states were given the option to opt out of this disqualification through legislation, New Jersey expanded it with the creation of the Work First New Jersey program, which disqualified individuals with drug convictions from receiving general assistance as well.

In 2010, recognizing the need to assist individuals who have paid their debt to society and are struggling to reenter as productive citizens, New Jersey passed the “Women and Families Strengthening Act,” repealing the drug conviction ban for SNAP and TANF benefits. This repeal, however, did not apply to general assistance under the Work First New Jersey program. Currently, of the 28 states with general assistance programs, New Jersey is one of only four states that deny benefits to individuals with drug convictions.

S-2806 passed the Senate 25-9 and now heads to the Assembly for further consideration.