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Variety in the Heartland |
Welfare Drug Testing Hot Topic
01/30/12 MRC/AP
Legislation that would require welfare recipients to be tested for drug use is gaining popularity among Kentucky lawmakers, more than 50 of whom have signed on as co-sponsors.
It doesn't matter that the measure stands little chance of passing into law. In a legislative election year, incumbents want their names on proposals that tend to be popular with blue-collar voters, as this one is.
Lancaster Republican Representative Lonnie Napier, a relentless cheerleader for the proposal, said businesses typically require employees to pass a drug screening. Why would welfare recipients not be held to the same standard?
Legislation was filed in 36 states last year, but passed only in Arizona, Florida and Missouri. Florida is under a federal court injunction that's blocking implementation of the drug-testing program there.
So far this year, measures have been introduced in 24 states that would require testing of people receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. In 14 states, the proposals would require testing of people receiving any type of welfare assistance, including food stamps.
Few are likely to pass, including the one in Kentucky that is expected to be quashed by state Representative Tom Burch, chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee. Burch said he didn't allow a vote on the proposal in his committee last year, and he has no intention of relenting this time around.
The Louisville Democrat said the bill unfairly targets the neediest of Kentucky residents, like single mothers and children who depend on welfare programs for survival.
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