Pillen Veto Stands: No Taxpayer Benefits for Repeat Drug Felons

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen’s veto of LB319, which would expand access to taxpayer-funded food stamps for felony drug dealers, was sustained by the Nebraska Legislature.

“Drug dealers should not be entitled to taxpayer-funded benefits, like SNAP. We can’t let repeat felons take advantage of the system. I’m grateful to the legislators who stuck together and helped sustain this common-sense veto.”

The following constitutes the reasons for this bill and the purposes which are sought to be
accomplished thereby:
LB319 would remove the current lifetime ban for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP) for
individuals convicted of certain drug related felonies. Nebraska currently has a modified ban that creates a small exception for those with two or fewer felonies. 

LB319 would opt Nebraska out of the ban entirely as 26 other states have done. Those convicted of a felony involving controlled substances would be eligible for SNAP if they have completed their sentence, or if they are serving a term of parole, probation, or post release supervision.