THE PROBLEM
Since the implementation of entitlement programs, people have found ways to exploit programs such as the food stamps program. The USDA effortlessly tries to promote awareness of fraudulent activities among SNAP recipients, and try to find measures to deter fraudulent activities. With the implementation of the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, fraudulent activities such as exchanging benefits for cash or other illegal goods/drugs, is still on the rise. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures [NCSL] (2014), states have proposed drug testing of applicants and recipients of public welfare benefits since federal welfare reform in 1996, but the federal rules permit drug testing as part of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. However, in 2009 over 20 states proposed drug testing as a requirement for eligibility for assistance (NCSL, 2014).
According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy Programs in Georgia [ONDCP] (2011), approximately, 7% of Georgia residents reported use of illicit drugs; the national average is 8%. The number of meth labs seizure incidents in Georgia increased 91%: from 67 incidents in 2007 to 128 incidents in 2009 according to data from El Paso Intelligence Center’s National Seizure System [EPIC-NSS] (ONDCP, 2011). Cocaine is the most commonly cited drug among primary drug treatment admissions in Georgia (ONDCP, 2011). Currently, 19.2 % of Georgians are living in poverty – just slightly up from 19.1 % reported in 2012. Poverty in Georgia increased from 12.9% in 2000 to 19.2% in 2012 – an increase of almost 1 million Georgians over the past 12 years (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013). Currently, 27.2% of Georgia’s children live in poverty – up from 26.3 % last year. The new number moves Georgia to the sixth highest childhood poverty rate in the U.S. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013). Due to the high number of drug related incidents in Georgia and the high number of poverty rates as well as an increase of fraudulent activity with entitlement programs in the United States, in 2012, Georgia passed HB 861 requiring drug testing for all individuals applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits (Beauchamp and Hazen, 2012). Governor Deal signed the bill on April 16, 2012 (O.C.G.A 40-4-193, 2012). In 2014, Representative Greg Morris, of District 156, introduced a house bill that will be an extension to HB 861--HB 772 to require drug testing for applicants of food stamps (H.772, 2014). Therefore, Georgia is trying to address the problem of fraudulent activity among individuals who sell their food stamps and/or TANF benefits in exchange for controlled substances.
According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy Programs in Georgia [ONDCP] (2011), approximately, 7% of Georgia residents reported use of illicit drugs; the national average is 8%. The number of meth labs seizure incidents in Georgia increased 91%: from 67 incidents in 2007 to 128 incidents in 2009 according to data from El Paso Intelligence Center’s National Seizure System [EPIC-NSS] (ONDCP, 2011). Cocaine is the most commonly cited drug among primary drug treatment admissions in Georgia (ONDCP, 2011). Currently, 19.2 % of Georgians are living in poverty – just slightly up from 19.1 % reported in 2012. Poverty in Georgia increased from 12.9% in 2000 to 19.2% in 2012 – an increase of almost 1 million Georgians over the past 12 years (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013). Currently, 27.2% of Georgia’s children live in poverty – up from 26.3 % last year. The new number moves Georgia to the sixth highest childhood poverty rate in the U.S. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013). Due to the high number of drug related incidents in Georgia and the high number of poverty rates as well as an increase of fraudulent activity with entitlement programs in the United States, in 2012, Georgia passed HB 861 requiring drug testing for all individuals applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits (Beauchamp and Hazen, 2012). Governor Deal signed the bill on April 16, 2012 (O.C.G.A 40-4-193, 2012). In 2014, Representative Greg Morris, of District 156, introduced a house bill that will be an extension to HB 861--HB 772 to require drug testing for applicants of food stamps (H.772, 2014). Therefore, Georgia is trying to address the problem of fraudulent activity among individuals who sell their food stamps and/or TANF benefits in exchange for controlled substances.
GROUPS AFFECTED
According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2012), approximately 9.92 million people reside in Georgia; that 19.1% are below the poverty line, and approximately 1.8 million people are participating in the food stamp Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to the Georgia Food Bank Association [GFBA] (2013), nearly 20% of people living in Georgia are severely food insecure—that is about 1 in 5 people. Georgia has some of the highest numbers of people that are food insecure. Georgia ranks 7th among the 10 states with the highest rates of hunger risk among Older Adults (GFBA, 2013). Nearly, 700,000 children under the age of 18 years old are severe food insecure (Feeding America, 2013).
The individuals that would be most affected by this problem would be the children under the age of 18 years old. Unfortunately, these children have no means of supporting themselves, if their legal guardians are denied benefits or choose not to apply due to substance abuse; therefore, the number of children being maltreated would most likely increase. There is no empirical evidence to support this hypothesis. However, that does not exclude the fact that a decrease in applicants or individuals terminated from the program would leave countless Georgians hungry.
The individuals that would be most affected by this problem would be the children under the age of 18 years old. Unfortunately, these children have no means of supporting themselves, if their legal guardians are denied benefits or choose not to apply due to substance abuse; therefore, the number of children being maltreated would most likely increase. There is no empirical evidence to support this hypothesis. However, that does not exclude the fact that a decrease in applicants or individuals terminated from the program would leave countless Georgians hungry.
According to Kevin Concannon the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services in the United States Department of Agriculture, “Fraud is neither a new nor static concept…I know the critical importance of these programs to the lives of millions of low-income people across our country, and their reflection of America’s commitment to ensure that, whatever other hardships they face, our people should not have to experience hunger” (HCOGR, n.d.).
NEGATIVE IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES
According to National Drug Court Institute (2011), Georgia receives approximately 205 million dollars in federal grant awards to reduce drug use in the state. Unfortunately, most of the programs are located around or near the metro Atlanta area. Most of the rural counties do not have support to reduce drug use. Counties like Carol County, have some of the highest numbers of meth use and poverty (NDCI, 2011). Hancock, Telfair, Clay, and Warren counties have the highest percentage of residents who are food insecure, and they lack the programs to support the reduction of drug use. The problem that HB 772 is trying to address, will negatively affect communities in the rural areas, because most rural areas lack industry and support. These rural counties lack the informal support of food banks and pantries, too. Although the rural areas would be greatly affected, those in the metro Atlanta would be affected negatively as well, because nearly the number of poor people in the Atlanta suburbs have more than double in 10 years—nearly by 122% (U.S.Census, 2012).