BILL NUMBER:  AB 1996
  VETOED	DATE: 09/30/2008




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 1996 without my signature. In vetoing
similar legislation last year, I made it clear that I support the use
of drug treatment programs as a viable intervention tool for drug
users. It is important to provide individuals with the correct
incentive to transition from a life of crime and substance abuse to
one of work and personal responsibility. However, extending food
stamp eligibility to drug dealers or traffickers, upon the condition
that they engage in drug treatment, will not ensure these individuals
will stop selling or trafficking illegal drugs. Therefore, this bill
does not provide a targeted approach to the right population and
does not ensure adequate public safety protections.

For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger