Welfare Drug Testing

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A measure to require drug testing as a condition for receiving welfare has passed the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Stacey Campfield of Knoxville passed 24-9 Wednesday.

The legislation requires new welfare applicants to undergo a special screening process. If suspicion is raised after the screening, then the applicant would be drug tested.

The proposal differs from an original version that would have required blanket testing. The state’s attorney general opined that approach would be unconstitutional because it would violate applicants’ rights not to be drug tested unless there is suspicion they are using drugs.

The companion bill is awaiting a vote in the House Finance Committee.

This bill may be “better than nothing”, but not much.  The original version makes more sense!  This bill really waters down the first bill quite a bit.

Why shouldn’t the government be able to drug test before providing free money out of our taxes!  It is perfectly legal for employers to drug test before hiring.  The Government requires “civil service testing” as part of their “qualification process”.  Why shouldn’t drug testing be a part of the “qualifying process” for welfare and unemployment” as well?

In my opinion, anyone elected to a government office should be required to take a drug test.  If you get a govornment paycheck, you ought to be drug-free to get it.   Unemployment is also a government check so, … drug test or don’t get it either! 

What do YOU think?

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