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[ [link removed] ]Dream Justice Cohort fundraising banner for 5 year anniversary
John,
Every day, people returning home from incarceration struggle to make ends
meet because of outdated and unfair policies. One of the most harmful: a
1996 federal law that permanently strips people with certain drug
convictions of their right to receive SNAP food assistance — even after
they've served their time, even if they're actively rebuilding their
lives.
That’s why we need [ [link removed] ]the RESTORE Act — can you add your name in support
today?
Join the tens of thousands already in support of the RESTORE Act!
We are hard at work to end this outdated 1996 ban to give people a chance
at a fresh start. While we continue to push for a national RESTORE Act,
we’d love to tell you Empathy Network leader Moncies’ story:
[ [link removed] ][IMG]Moncies Franco (second from the right) meeting with Senator Amy
Klobuchar’s office with [ [link removed] ]Dream.Org Government Affairs Director Kandia
Milton (far left).
During a recent testimony before the Minnesota State Legislature’s Health
and Human Services Committee, Moncies recalled his personal journey from
incarceration to advocacy — when he left prison in 2018, he was lucky that
he was eligible for SNAP and other essential benefits. He believes that
without this help, he may have ended up committing more crime, like
stealing food in order to survive.
Multiple members of his own family weren’t as lucky. One in particular, a
female relative, took responsibility for drugs that were not hers in order
to prevent someone else from much more serious consequences. This
split-second decision completely destroyed her family dynamic and the
ability to provide for her own children upon release.
That one moment — one act of protection for someone she loved — became a
permanent mark that followed her out of prison and to the dinner table.
Under current federal law, her conviction made it nearly impossible for
her to access SNAP. The system offered no grace, no path back. Just a door
slammed shut.
“There are greater things to worry about than deciding who gets to eat,”
says Moncies before also revealing that his brother Jack had recently died
from an overdose. Jack had a history of substance use disorder,
incarceration, and mental health issues — which were only exaggerated by
archaic laws that cause more harm than good.
Stories like these are not examples of justice — they are examples of
horrible policy failures. [ [link removed] ]The RESTORE Act would finally revive
eligibility and ensure that returning citizens can meet their basic
needs.
Lawmakers need to hear from you. [ [link removed] ]Tell them: starvation is not
rehabilitation.
Sign the Petition
Folks like Moncies are fighting like hell at the state level to create a
fairer system for their communities — now, it’s time to bring it across
the federal finish line.
In solidarity,
— The Justice For All Team at Dream.Org
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