SACRAMENTO - The California Senate approved a bill to lift the ban on welfare to work for people who are participating in or have successfully completed a drug treatment program. AB 855, authored by Assembly Member Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) lifts the federal life-time restriction on people with drug convictions from receiving welfare benefits. AB 855 is now on the Governor's Desk.

California is 1 of only 17 states that bars people who have been convicted for felony drug convictions from public assistance. Services offered by CalWORKS promote self-sufficiency, family reunification and successful re-entry into society.

Last year Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger took a positive first step by signing a similar bill into law that lifts the ban on food stamps for people recovering from drug addiction. In his signing statement he rightfully stated, "The challenges of overcoming a drug addiction are substantial and universally denying food stamps to persons with felony drug convictions has created additional obstacles to drug-free living and increases the likelihood of re-offending behavior."

The Little Hoover Commission estimates the bill could save the state approximately $700,000 a year after the first year of implementation. AB 855 is a cost-effective proposal widely supported by law enforcement, treatment providers and welfare advocates.