When we at the Michigan League for Public Policy blog on public assistance, it is often about our state cutting support services or otherwise failing those in need. Today, however, we are happy to share the good news that Michigan is better than most states when it comes to providing public assistance to offenders convicted of drug felonies.

Since 1996, federal “welfare reform” law has prohibited individuals with felony drug convictions and their families from receiving cash or food assistance. However, states are allowed to waive the restriction in full or in part and provide assistance to otherwise qualifying individuals with felony drug convictions.

While a majority of states have waived the cash assistance ban at least in part, Michigan is one of only 14 states that has no ban at all. In Michigan, a person who has completed punishment for a felony drug conviction can receive cash assistance from the Family Independence Program if he or she otherwise qualifies. Likewise, Michigan is one of only 18 states that has no ban at all on former drug offenders receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps.

Providing assistance to former offenders as they try to restart their lives is important in preventing recidivism. They made mistakes, they served their punishment and they are working to rebuild their lives, and the state is rightfully willing to assist them with that. These offenders often face job and housing barriers and social stigmas when trying to reintegrate into the mainstream, and society and the individual both benefit when the transition is successful. Public social services programs help ensure that.

It is true that Michigan must make changes to its cash assistance program to better meet the needs of poor families by raising the monthly benefit level, expanding eligibility (one must be at 51% of the poverty line in order to receive cash assistance) and allowing more opportunities for skill-building. However, our state is doing right to not exclude former drug offenders from public assistance. When former offenders successfully assimilate into society, we all benefit.