Bill Requiring Drug Testing For Oklahoma Welfare Recipients Advances

[kbsooner21]

OKLAHOMA CITY - An Oklahoma lawmaker is pushing a bill to require drug testing for certain welfare recipients.

Legislation to require routine drug tests for Oklahoma welfare recipients took a step forward Monday. House Bill 2388 was approved by a House of Representatives subcommittee. It will next be heard in the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.

"Under current law, welfare benefits can indirectly subsidize an individual's drug habit, so we must make sure there are penalties for people who take advantage of the system," said Representative John Bennett, R-Sallisaw.

The bill would require applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to submit to and pay for a drug test. If they test positive, they are ineligible for one year unless they successfully complete a substance abuse program within six months.

About 40,600 potential recipients would be affected by the legislation. Dependent children would still be eligible for aid if their parents fail the drug test.

A similar program in Florida resulted in almost denial of benefits to almost 10 percent of applicants. It saved taxpayers nearly $1 million in the first month, according to the Foundation for Government Accountability.

[kbsooner21]

[ToDaClub]

snopes.com: Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients

[kbsooner21]

What is that link about? True and false information?

You think I just made that up?

[ToDaClub]

WebForm1 Click on this link enter HB2388, and it shows the bill in OK, so yes I believe you.


It appears that some of the states that have done this have lost in court wether they can enforce it. Florida and Michigan have both had to repeal the law. Kentucky still has it.


Signed,


Club Investigations

[mgdog96]

A similar program in Florida resulted in almost denial of benefits to almost 10 percent of applicants. It saved taxpayers nearly $1 million in the first month, according to the Foundation for Government Accountability.

That info on florida is bullshit. Less than 2% actually failed the drug tests and the program cost taxpayers $200,000. The Daily Show had a whole segment on this 3 wks ago.

[kbsooner21]

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma House has approved a bill to require drug testing for certain welfare recipients, but not before it was amended to include testing for those seeking elected office.

The full House voted 82-6 on Monday for the amended bill. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Oklahoma City Republican Rep. Guy Liebmann says those receiving Temporary Benefits for Needy Families would pay for the test and then be reimbursed if they test negative. Under the bill, children whose parents fail a test would be able to receive benefits through another family member.

Democratic Rep. Mike Shelton of Oklahoma City successfully amended the bill to require candidates for state and local offices to be tested for illegal drugs before filing for office.

[Letswinalot]

I dont get it??? Do you want these people to go homeless??? Being on welfare cant be a good life.

[kbsooner21]

I dont get it??? Do you want these people to go homeless??? Being on welfare cant be a good life.

I'd rather hang them to be honest. If they're on welfare and want to spend my tax dollars on drugs then I have ZERO use for them.

[Letswinalot]

I'd rather hang them to be honest. If they're on welfare and want to spend my tax dollars on drugs then I have ZERO use for them.

I would probably turn to drugs if I lived in asst living and was on welfare.

[Hoopster007]

I would probably turn to drugs if I lived in asst living and was on welfare.

They didn't turn to drugs once on welfare. They buy tv's, cell phones, cars, and anything else they want. Doesn't sound like they are roughing it at all. Oh and they get their food and health care paid for. If they have all that and can still get drugs, I don't see where the struggle is.

People who feel sorry for them is what is bringing this country down. Rules are setup so you get more if you do less. Now Obama is trying to expand medicaid and get more people on the government tit. Its really sad but its just so easy to do. I can see why people choose this lifestyle. Pop out some kids and open up your hands. Then just sit there and eat a bunch of bad food so we can then pay for your added healthcare and ************ costs. And on and on.

Question for you. If you were on medicaid and getting help with all your bills, would you think about getting a job? Most answer no because life is just to good to go and have to work a crappy job, just to have the same things you already have.

[Letswinalot]

They didn't turn to drugs once on welfare. They buy tv's, cell phones, cars, and anything else they want. Doesn't sound like they are roughing it at all. Oh and they get their food and health care paid for. If they have all that and can still get drugs, I don't see where the struggle is.

People who feel sorry for them is what is bringing this country down. Rules are setup so you get more if you do less. Now Obama is trying to expand medicaid and get more people on the government tit. Its really sad but its just so easy to do. I can see why people choose this lifestyle. Pop out some kids and open up your hands. Then just sit there and eat a bunch of bad food so we can then pay for your added healthcare and ************ costs. And on and on.

Question for you. If you were on medicaid and getting help with all your bills, would you think about getting a job? Most answer no because life is just to good to go and have to work a crappy job, just to have the same things you already have.

Ah the country is screwed anyway. Ive just kind of started accepting it.

[Letswinalot]

And us republicans are supposed to really support Mitt Romney and I cant stand that guy.