2012.02.03
Bill to drug test welfare recipients clears Va. Senate panel
RICHMOND – Protests from Democrats weren’t enough Friday to derail Senate legislation to allow drug testing of welfare recipients.
On an 8-7 party-line vote, Republicans on the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee advanced a bill that would require local social service agencies to screen for illegal narcotics Virginians on welfare.
Screenings would be done during an initial welfare assessment and periodically after that, though not more frequently than every six months.
People who refused to comply or failed a drug test would forfeit Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits for one year unless they enter a drug treatment program.
Under the bill from Sen. Steve Martin, R-Chesterfield County, others in the household of a person who tested positive for drugs could still receive benefits.
His SB 6 incorporates similar legislation from Virginia Beach Republican Sen. Jeff McWaters, and it also would grant people one chance for benefit reinstatement if they met the testing or treatment requirements.
Martin said the goal of the bill is consistent with Virginia’s philosophy to move people from welfare to work by reducing barriers to employment such as drug use.
But Democrats on the panel said it singles out poor people for scrutiny that others receiving state dollars – from college students getting tuition grants to corporate officials whose companies receive tax breaks – don’t face.
They also noted that a federal judge has issued an injunction against a similar law in Florida.
Pointing out that testing costs would exceed $2.7 million over the next two years, Sen. Mark Herring questioned whether that money could be better spent on drug treatment programs.
“It really appears to be targeted at participants in this particular program rather than something that is really designed to address substance abuse problems,” said Herring, D-Loudoun County.
The drug-testing legislation has been sent the Senate Finance Committee because it has a fiscal impact, just as companion legislation in the House of Delegates has been routed to the Appropriations Committee.
-Julian Walker, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot
The bill should be attached to a similar bill requiring the same tests for State Senators.
Comment by Jack Mcguire — February 3, 2012 @ 11:23 am
If this passes and becomes a law, it doesn’t mean they will enforce it. It just allows them to test if they want.
Is there something in the law that states their benefits will be revoked if they test positive? If there isn’t a consequence, this bill is irrelevant. Also, it has to save more than it will cost.
Comment by belle — February 3, 2012 @ 11:32 am
Nanny State, Nanny State, the sky is falling! Oh wait…. Funny the “government mandates” and “intrusions” conservatives like. Elections have consequences and power hates poor people.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — February 3, 2012 @ 11:38 am
I actually agree with Jack for a change. As Florida has shown us, the law will not pay for itself and may be unconstitutional. The Republicans campaigned on job creation, so far they have done nothing but pass laws rescinding women’s reproductive rights, voters rights and now are declaring war on the unemployed. BTW, why no comments on the Rumsfeld piece?
Comment by Art Hill — February 3, 2012 @ 8:30 pm
This bill does single out poor people. The logic of making people more marketable is a bunch of bull, to make it sound like someone cares. When in fact, making people marketable for what “all the jobs are being outsourced because companies are getting tax break” This bill is only to take away and destroy lives. That’s satan (kill, steal and destroy) The temporary assistance for the already family in need will be cut off; who will feed the children, pay the bills and house these mothers/fathers and children once their funds are cut off and they are unable to get a job. The funding for drug treatment programs have already been cut so where is this treatment coming from. The true nature behind this bill is to increase the crime rate and grow the jail population. The effects of this will be aweful..
Comment by Amie — February 3, 2012 @ 11:22 pm