Texas Senate approves drug testing for welfare

[Karee 4,191]

AUSTIN, TX -- The Texas Senate has passed a bill to drug test some welfare applicants and cut off drug users from receiving money.

The bill by Sen. Jane Nelson, a Flower Mound Republican, covers adults applying to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which provides poor people with money for food, clothing, housing and other basic needs.

The bill passed Wednesday temporarily cuts off benefits to drug users, with a permanent ban after three failed drug tests. Money would still go to an applicant's minor children through a third party.

The program spends about $90 million on 100,000 Texans every year. Nelson says taxpayer money should not be used to support a drug habit.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration

Source:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news%2Fstate&id=9060392

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[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Republicans pushed by the Tea Party did that in Florida years ago. Courts struck it down as a violation of Constitutional rights - specifically it was found to violate the protection against unreasonable searches. But then, we all knew already that Tea Party Republicans generally don't appear to give a first damn about the Constitution. Nothing to see here, time to move along.

Edited February 22, 2014 by Mr. Big Dog

[Karee 4,191]

Republicans pushed by the Tea Party did that in Florida years ago. Courts struck it down as a violation of Constitutional rights - specifically it was found to violate the protection against unreasonable searches. But then, we all knew already that Tea Party Republicans generally don't appear to give a first damn about the Constitution. Nothing to see here, time to move along.

I wonder if Florida will appeal or if that's the end of it? How do employers get away with drug testing applicants?

[Pooky 3,850]

But then, we all knew already that Tea Party Republicans generally don't appear to give a first damn about the Constitution. Nothing to see here, time to move along.

Neither does the Democrat party. Your point is?

Edited February 22, 2014 by Pooky

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I wonder if Florida will appeal or if that's the end of it? How do employers get away with drug testing applicants?

The end of it? No, Scott and the Tea Party aren't done wasting my tax dollars yet.

[Sousuke 1,214]

Yeah this does not seem constitutional to me.

[Karee 4,191]

Yeah this does not seem constitutional to me.

What's the difference between drug screening for employment and drug screening for welfare?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

What's the difference between drug screening for employment and drug screening for welfare?

Best to ask a judge?

[Karee 4,191]

Best to ask a judge?

I don't know any judges personally. Last time I spoke with one in an official capacity, it did not end well for me.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I don't know any judges personally. Last time I spoke with one in an official capacity, it did not end well for me.

[Peikko 1,575]

What's the difference between drug screening for employment and drug screening for welfare?

At a guess the first is voluntary the second mandatory.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

At a guess the first is voluntary the second mandatory.

They're both voluntary. No drug test no job. No drug test, no welfare benefits.

[lostinblue 1,989]

They're both voluntary. No drug test no job. No drug test, no welfare benefits.

sounds like a plan. Put them in a drug treatment program and if they fail no more welfare for you.

[Peikko 1,575]

They're both voluntary. No drug test no job. No drug test, no welfare benefits.

No, they are not. You can change the law and change the basic premise if you want, but you'll have to go to the ballot boxes first.

[Peikko 1,575]

sounds like a plan. Put them in a drug treatment program and if they fail no more welfare for you.

Indeed, drug treatment programs, there should be a lot more of them and run by people who know how to make them work, not simply lip service programs to make politicians feel good or worse, incarceration without treatment.