Supports Florida drug law
I support the new Florida law that requires drug tests for adults applying for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Family program in Florida, (TANF). If an applicant tests positive for drugs, he/she will be ineligible for benefits for one year, but can reapply in six months upon completing an approved substance abuse treatment program. Those testing positive may designate another individual, (who must also pass a drug test), to receive benefits on behalf of the applicant’s children. That makes sense to me. If a parent is on drugs, what guarantees that any of the assistance received will be used for the child’s food and shelter? Florida’s Governor Scott also issued an executive order in March that would require State employees be subjected to urine analysis once every quarter.
Most taxpayers have to pass background checks, drug tests and credit checks in order to get a job. Why not require that those who are getting paid by taxpayers pass a drug test. Taxpayers should not have to subsidize drug addiction whether the addicted are welfare recipients or State employees.
Michigan was the first state to implement mandatory random drug testing for welfare recipients. The ACLU sued and in 2003 a Michigan Court of Appeals found the law unconstitutional. The Florida law is the first to be passed since the Michigan case. The ACLU is again threatening to sue, even though drug testing is expressly permitted in the federal rules governing the TANF. Many state legislatures are now proposing drug tests for welfare recipients. Let’s hope the courts do not declare this law unconstitutional. It’s about time that those who pay the bills hold the recipients accountable.
Russ Lapham
Perrinton, MI