Oppose SB-560: Strengthen penalties against welfare fraud

Subject: Oppose SB-560: Protect Public Funds and Accountability Against Welfare Fraud

My name is [Full Name], and I am writing to strongly oppose SB-560, a bill that I believe is not only deeply misguided but borders on reckless in its disregard for accountability and fiscal responsibility. SB-560 proposes to decriminalize attempted welfare fraud, raise the threshold for criminal penalties from $950 to $25,000, and eliminate perjury charges for knowingly providing false information to welfare agencies. In doing so, it effectively signals that deception and abuse of public resources will go unpunished. This is not reform, it is an open invitation to commit fraud. Fraud is not a victimless crime. Every dollar lost to abuse is a dollar stolen from families, seniors, and individuals who truly rely on public assistance. By removing critical enforcement tools, including criminal deterrents, SB-560 weakens the already fragile trust between taxpayers and the programs meant to help vulnerable Californians. Even more disturbing is the bill’s provision shielding individuals from prosecution if they are merely "in repayment status" or if the overpayment stemmed from an "administrative error." While administrative fairness is important, this provision creates enormous loopholes that will be exploited, leaving welfare offices powerless to act even in the face of intentional fraud. This bill doesn’t fix the welfare system — it guts it. It trades real accountability for blind trust and sends the message that abuse is no big deal. I urge you to reject SB-560 and stand up for what’s left of a fair and accountable welfare system. We can be compassionate without turning a blind eye to fraud — but this bill gets it wrong on both counts. Sincerely,