Welfare Drug Testing Bill Remains Alive, Barely

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Posted: 11:02 AM Feb 21, 2012 Welfare Drug Testing Bill Remains Alive, Barely RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Legislation to require drug testing of Virginia welfare recipients is still alive, but just barely. Email Address: news@newsplex.com

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February 21, 2012

Legislation to require drug testing of Virginia welfare recipients is still alive, but just barely.

The House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee voted 14-6 Tuesday to send Sen. Steve Martin's bill to the Appropriations Committee, which has postponed a similar House measure until 2013. The same fate likely awaits Martin's bill.

The legislation would require an initial drug screening of applicants, followed by drug testing if officials suspect illegal drug use. Anyone testing positive could lose benefits for a year.

Martin, a Chesterfield County Republican, says the bill would ensure that welfare money is being spent to support families and children. Opponents have argued that the bill offends the dignity of welfare recipients and incorrectly assumes they use drugs more than the general population.

Latest Comments

Posted by: The Dude on Feb 23, 2012 at 10:51 AM

If you can't feed them, don't breed them. Why should we (taxpayers) pay for your lack of self-control and inability to take responsibility for some simple birth control?

Posted by: The Girl on Feb 22, 2012 at 06:25 PM

I AGREE 110% with you!! If they are in drugs, they can AND WILL get around it!!!

Posted by: The Girl on Feb 22, 2012 at 06:23 PM

Well, I dont agree with you!! Im a single mother, I work and go to school everyday!! And I dont make enough from month to month to pay my bills!! I dont get anything but medicade and if I didnt get that, I dont know what I would do! I would take a drug test if they asked me too, because I dont have anything to HIDE! The people that dont want to take a drug test that is getting any kind of help, Well.. Thats the one's that are USING the system!! Speak for yourself, NOT everyone else!!

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