[Vision2020] NC may soon require criminal background checks . . . on food stamp recipients

[Tom Hansen]

North Carolina House Bill 392
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2013/Bills/House/PDF/H392v1.pdf

Courtesy of the Washington Times at:

http://p.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/apr/3/nc-vote-paves-way-food-stamp-applicant-background-/
 
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N.C. vote paves the way for food stamp applicant background checks

The House Health and Human Services Committee in North Carolina voted Tuesday to require mandatory background checks for people seeking welfare and food stamp benefits.

All county Department of Social Services offices will now require background checks for people applying for benefits or for renewing their applications. DSS offices can choose whether they want to conduct formal background checks or simply ask the participant if he or she is in trouble with the law, The Blaze reports.

"We absolutely have to make sure our aid goes to law-abiding citizens first," said state Rep. Dean Arp, R-Union who co-sponsored the bill. "This is a reasonable provision to ensure that."

The DSS office will also be required to tell law enforcement agencies if an applicant is a fugitive or is sought for an outstanding warrant, The Blaze reports.

A lobbyist representing the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services said she's afraid the mandate will discourage people from seeking help.

"If people think they're going to be punished or arrested for even coming to seek our services, then that's a big concern for us," Lori Ann Harris said. "We look to be friendly, not adversarial."

Applicants with outstanding warrants can still qualify for benefits once they are no longer subject to arrest, The Blaze reports.

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Seeya round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"There's room at the top they are telling you still 
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill 
If you want to be like the folks on the hill."

- John Lennon
 
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