Legislator wants welfare recipients drug tested [View All]

[babylonsister]

Here's an idea; let's test legislators while we're at it.


Legislator wants welfare recipients drug tested

Those applying for temporary assistance would need to take test.

By Colleen Hogan
Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 5:20 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY -- Should people receiving assistance from the state be drug tested?

That's what one Missouri legislator is proposing. Senate Bill 73 calls for those receiving temporary assistance from the state to first be drug tested, and if they fail, they would not be eligible for state aid for three years.

Sen. Bill Stouffer (R-Napton) said the idea for the legislation came from a concerned constituent.
"I think it's a discussion that should be had,” said Stouffer. “And again, it's about people cleaning their lives up, and living a full and productive life."

Stouffer argues that most places of employment have drug-screening, so why should those getting taxpayer money be any different?

"One of our biggest concerns is that the state becomes an enabler with cash advances for drug use,” said Stouffer.

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http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=262611