Last week, the
Republican governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, signed
two bills into law that authorize a one-year pilot
program to implement mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients authorities
suspect of illegal drug use. In a statement released by the governor’s office,
he said:
We want to remove the barriers that
are keeping people from getting good jobs, supporting their families and living
independently. This pilot program is intended to help ensure recipients get the
wrap-around services they need to overcome drug addiction and lead successful
lives. We’ll then have opportunity to assess effectiveness and outcomes.
The law enables
state authorities to administer drug tests to welfare recipients they believe
may be using illegal drugs. If the recipient tests positive for drugs, he or
she can lose existing benefits or have an application for new benefits
rejected.
Democrats in
Michigan strongly opposed passage of the legislation, arguing similar laws in
other states have not been proven to save money. Republicans control both
houses of the Michigan state government, however, so the bills passed easily.
An earlier
Michigan law mandating drug testing was struck down by the courts, as was a
similar law in Florida. However, both Missouri and Oklahoma have enacted laws
to drug test welfare recipients.
http://raisetheflagreport.com/new-michigan-law-may-cut-welfare-rolls/
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