Ga. Bill To Require Drug Tests For Welfare Benefits

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poverty-poorGeorgia Gov. Nathan Deal has signed legislation that would require thousands of people applying for welfare to pass a drug test before they could receive benefits.

The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the law over the opposition of Democrats.

Backers say it will ensure that welfare benefits are used for their intended purpose and not to subsidize drug use and criminal activity. Democrats said the measure places an unfair burden on the poor.

Gerry Weber of the Southern Poverty Law Center said the organization is prepared to file a lawsuit over the issue, but not until it is put into practice. It takes effect July 1.

A similar law in Florida took effect last July but was blocked by a federal judge in October.

At least two dozen states have proposed measures this year that would require drug tests for benefits.

{Fox News/Matzav.com Newscenter}


5 COMMENTS

  1. Its a violation of civil liberties, but it will probably go since we absolutely can not increase our hold of drug addicts benefitting from public assistance.

  2. If employers can require a drug test of prospective employees, why can’t the government require a drug test of prospective recipients of government assistance?

  3. That people abuse drugs, may or may not be my business, but that we hard-workers should pay for their habit? Let them work and pay for it out of their pockets. Then, guess what, they won’t have time for drugs.

  4. Nice to know that there are a few sane people left in the USA.

    I am curious as to Mr. beethoven’s friend’s comment. Exactly how is violating the law a civil right? Are you saying that Americans have the civil right to be criminals? Very strange statement.

  5. Whether this is justified or not is a matter for honest argument, but there is one huge problem that would have to be solved: some legitimate medications and even dietary supplements can cause a positive result for many of the most common drug tests. How would someone who “flunks” because they’re taking a legitimate drug be guaranteed their rights? What about someone taking medical marijuana for cancer chemotherapy nausea?

    It seems they would need to have an ombudsman or someone similar to protect the rights of those who innocently get caught in the system.

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