Virginia Senate Passes Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients

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Updated: 9:38 AM Feb 15, 2012 Virginia Senate Passes Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients RICHMOND, Va. (AP) The Virginia Senate passed legislation to require drug screening of welfare recipients when Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling broke a 20-20 tie, voting to pass the bill. Posted: 6:16 PM Feb 14, 2012 Email Address: news@newsplex.com

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February 14, 2012

The Virginia Senate has passed legislation to require drug screening of welfare recipients.

Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling broke a 20-20 tie Tuesday, voting to pass the bill. It now goes to the House, which has postponed its version of the measure until 2013.

Sen. Steve Martin of Chesterfield County said his bill would ensure that welfare money is being spent to support families and children. His bill would require an initial drug screening of applicants, followed by drug testing if officials suspected illegal drug use. Anyone testing positive could lose benefits for a year.

Opponents argued the bill offends the dignity of welfare recipients and incorrectly assumes they use drugs more than the general population. They also said the state would spend more on testing than it would save.

Latest Comments

Posted by: kevin Location: orange va. on Mar 14, 2012 at 09:40 PM

drug testing is a good idea to take it away from those who do not need it and should be working!I would trade anybody health so I could go back to work but you cant do that with seizures!

Posted by: Andrew Location: Andrew on Mar 13, 2012 at 01:18 PM

Fail! Florida did this, and it cost the taxpayers more money!

Posted by: guitaristwife Location: Crozet on Feb 21, 2012 at 08:06 PM

I agree with others, I have to pass a drug test to keep my job and it it paid by your tax dollars since I am a federal government employee. Why shouldn't those who are using our tax dollars to be on welfare get the same treatment as me? I also used to work as a cashier and it was great to see people stoned out their minds buying filet mignon, lobster, and other groceries on food stamps that I could never afford working three jobs.....test them!

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