Ihab Riskalla

Dear Representatives, I am writing today to express my opposition to House Bill 348. Restricting access to welfare benefits would increase the financial strain on local communities, as people who are unable to access assistance might turn to local charitable organizations, emergency services, or public health systems, which could increase costs in the long term. As we have seen in various aspects of our government, what we don't spend today often costs us much more tomorrow. Furthermore, this policy would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of our society, including those experiencing housing insecurity (i.e., elderly, living on a fixed income, living with a disability, etc.), survivors of abuse, and those displaced by house fires or other emergencies. Additionally, it could undermine public health and safety by increasing the number of people unable to access basic needs like shelter, food, and medical care. Local welfare assistance is often a last resort for those in need. Implementing additional requirements that are both restrictive and unnecessary will surely end up costing the local community more in the long term. Without this assistance, many will be thrown into homelessness, neglect healthcare needs, and possibly turn to crime. All of these undoubtedly result in a greater impact in our communities than keeping a fair system to access local welfare. I urge you to oppose House Bill 348. Sincerely, Ihab Riskalla