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Bill to drug test Indiana welfare recipients advances

Associated Press
March 13, 2013
Keywords
Government, Government & Economic Development, Legislature, State Government, Welfare
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A legislative committee is backing a proposal to require drug testing for some Indiana welfare recipients despite complaints that it's unfair to the state's neediest residents.

The state Senate Health Committee voted 9-3 Wednesday in favor of requiring all applicants for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to complete a written screening test for possible drug-abuse problems.

The bill approved by the House would require those later failing a drug test to enter a treatment program to keep receiving benefit payments. The Senate committee changed the bill to allow those on treatment waiting lists to remain eligible for benefits.

Testing supporters say it's aimed at helping those with drug problems and protecting children. Some faulted the proposal for not providing money for additional treatment programs.

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  • Unforseen consequences
    BrandonMarch 14, 2013 11:06 PM
    The issue for me, other than costing taxpayers more than it saves them (see Florida), is that you further punish dependents of those abusing drugs. What do you do when a parent fails a drug test? Cut their benefits? Okay, how do their kids get fed when they have no means of providing food? Do the kids become wards of the state? That's the last thing the state or the kids need.
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  • Most?
    BrandonMarch 14, 2013 11:00 PM
    Most companies drug test? Most companies randomly drug test? No. Most companies do not drug test. If you need a drug test to tell that someone is a bad employee you probably shouldn't be in management.
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  • What a waste..
    Joe ShoemakerMarch 14, 2013 9:29 PM
    What we know from previous attempts at this in other states is that the cost to implement the plan far exceeds the savings. But hey... don't let facts get in the way of making political hay and justifying racist and classist screed. http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/04/20/2758871/floridas-welfare-drug-tests-cost.html
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  • Written???
    KMarch 14, 2013 1:14 PM
    I am all for drug testing to be put in place to help alleviate some of the abuse our welfare system goes through. But a written test? Really??? Because everyone is going to be so honest??? Most people have to have to be drug tested before they are hired into a new company and most require random testing thereafter. If the general public has to sequester to drug testing to earn a paycheck then I don't understand why it is an issue to have someone tested for drugs in their system (randomly) before they qualify for our tax dollars to be handed out to them...
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    • It's about time!
      Dennis ConniffMarch 14, 2013 1:06 PM
      I think it should extend to tobacco and alcohol. If you can afford cigarettes, liquor or illegal drugs, you sure don't need help from me!
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    • Another test?
      dealerMarch 14, 2013 10:05 AM
      A written test? Really?
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    • Drug Testing
      TerriMarch 13, 2013 6:20 PM
      There are people who use their cash assistance and food stamp cards to trade for drugs so I am all for it. They should also enforce the other regulations that already exist regarding number of people living in section 8 housing who are not on the lease. There are people out there who really need the assistance while they get back on their feet and there are others who make public assistance a career.
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    • Test the Legislature
      TerryMarch 13, 2013 5:11 PM
      I propose that all members of the State Legislature be drug tested every month. It seems to me that if we are looking to verify substance abuse we should start at the top and work our way to the bottom.
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    • waste
      MikeyMarch 13, 2013 4:30 PM
      drug testing is the biggest waste of money and time. it proves absolutely nothing! cocaine can get our of your system in a day, same w/ most drugs. only drug that lingers around is pot, and marijuana laws need to be changed because its not a drug. there are many ways to pass these tests, its a joke they even require them for anything anymore
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    • Weak law
      Chris UnderwoodMarch 13, 2013 4:24 PM
      I have no idea why this is even an issue, there are no rules, allowing companies to work for the Feds on contracting jobs that say ANYTHING about a written test ! Random test are the only answer to find the real abuse of an absurd, ABUSED WELFARE SYSTEM ! Drug test rule should simply be,#JustDoIt pass you get help, fail,well.........!
      Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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    1. Saw the Indy Men's Chorus "Music of Gilbert & Sullivan" at the Indiana Historical Society on Sunday evening.

    2. Temporary workers are not "tools" they are people and companies that keep large amounts of temp staff are cheating.

    3. I miss having them around. I hope one of their stores is in the general Meridian/86th Street area. I will make good use of it.

    4. The Fringe! Plus, the simple fact that there are so many local faves in such close proximity to each other.

    5. I remenber, watching the toll road, being built, through South Bend, when I was 10 years old. I believe, back then that it was estimated, that the toll road, would be paid for in 20 years and then it would be free. I am now 71, what happened? Since the power is in the people, by that, I mean that, we the people are in total control of everything. I, suggest that no one ever use the toll road again, let it go broke. We the people can control the price of everything, from groceries to gas, if we would just do it. If we don't pay the asking price, the sellers will lower the price and if we wait awhile, they will lower the price to what we accept as reasonable. I would like to know why a highway like interstate 94, is so well maintained, a much better highway, than the toll road, but has no tolls. I would also like to know why, a sitting governor, with a term limit, maximum of eight years, can lease, public property, for 75 years. Even though I have transponders in both of my trucks and will not be affected by the increase, I have been and will contine to avoid using the toll road. I make many trips from northern Indiana to Chicago, every year, and I prefer the better highway, I94!

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