House Approves Measure to Test TANF Recipients Suspected of Drug Use

In a move to tighten the scope of citizens on public assistence programs (i.e. people on unemployment benefits, food stamps, public housing assistence, etc) and limit the burden of normal missourians, the republican led MO House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a measure to test recipients suspected of drug use. 

 

 

1/26 – House Approves Measure to Test TANF Recipients Suspected of Drug Use

 

Jefferson City –The Missouri House of Representatives gave initial approval to legislation that would implement a system of drug testing for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients suspected of using illegal controlled substances. The House perfected HB 73, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Brandom, R-Sikeston, by a vote of 121-37. HB 73 would require the Department of Social Services to develop a drug testing program for applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program benefits. Tests would be given to individuals who the department has reasonable suspicion to believe engage in the illegal use of controlled substances. An applicant or recipient who tests positive would be ineligible for benefits for one year. Household members of an individual who tests positive could continue to receive benefits as protective or vendor payments to a third-party payee. As diligent and honorable as Speaker Steven Tilley-R and the rest are, somehow that fail to answer the one question:  How do they determine who these certain applicants for and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program benefits to be tested for the illegal use of controlled substances are? Click the audio links below to hear arguments on both sides.  Make a comment and let your representative know your opinion. Listen to Rep. Ellen Brandom speak in support of the bill. Listen to Rep. John McCaherty speak in support of the bill. Listen to Rep. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls speak against the bill. Listen to Rep. Karla May speak against the bill.