The Case for Lifting the Lifetime Ban on SNAP and TANF for People with Past Felony Drug Convictions in Florida

People who have been incarcerated face numerous barriers to economic mobility and have an overwhelming need for basic support.

However, Floridians who have been convicted in the past of drug trafficking are prohibited by state law from ever participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

This short-sighted lifetime ban impacts the ability of returning citizens to meet critical needs, such as food and housing. It also increases their likelihood to re-offend and return to prison, costing the state millions. Here are five reasons why Florida lawmakers should consider lifting this ban.


1. SNAP and TANF provide important food and cash assistance services

Both SNAP and TANF are modest yet critical safety net programs that bolster the ability of Floridians with low income to meet basic needs.

SNAP helps households buy food, while TANF provides financial assistance to families who care for children. In Florida, the average monthly SNAP benefit per person is $180, while TANF averages $237 per month for the entire family. Repealing the ban would ensure that eligible individuals have access to these essential resources.


2. Lifting the ban on SNAP and TANF is critical to helping ensure that people reentering communities have basic necessities

When people reenter communities after being incarcerated, many have little access to the resources needed for housing, food, and other basic needs. At the same time, criminal records create significant barriers to employment, or exclude Floridians from the workforce altogether.

Making food and cash assistance available to eligible Floridians who have completed their sentences would help individuals get back on their feet, reducing the chances of re-offending and promoting successful reintegration into society.


3. Lifting the ban lessens the likelihood of recidivism

Over 19,000 people in Florida have already been subjected to the lifetime ban on participating in SNAP and TANF.

An analysis of Florida's drug trafficking ban in the SNAP program found that people subject to the ban on receiving SNAP are 9.5 percentage points more likely to be reincarcerated than those who can access assistance.

This ban has already cost Florida a minimum of $70 million as of 2016. By lifting the ban, Florida can reduce recidivism rates, saving taxpayer money in the long run.


4. Lifting the ban will stop its disproportionate and harmful impact on Floridians of color

Denying food and cash assistance under Florida's ban disproportionately affects people of color. Black individuals comprise almost half (47 percent) of incarcerated individuals in Florida, yet only make up 16 percent of the state's population.

By lifting the ban, Florida can take a significant step towards addressing racial disparities within its criminal justice system.


5. Most states have eliminated the ban

As of now, roughly 29 states have completely opted out of the SNAP ban, while 27 have completely opted out of the TANF ban.

Congress is also considering a bipartisan repeal of the ban at the federal level. Florida should preemptively exercise its flexibility and repeal the ban on the state level, aligning itself with the growing national trend.


Conclusion

The lifetime ban on SNAP and TANF for people with past felony drug convictions in Florida has far-reaching consequences.

By lifting this ban, Florida lawmakers can ensure that returning citizens have a better chance at successful reintegration into society, reduce the likelihood of recidivism, and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

It is time for Florida to join other states in taking this important step towards fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.