Welfare recipients who are suspected of substance abuse may be subject to a drug test if some state lawmakers have their way.
On Sept. 22, by a 82-25 vote, the House passed a bill requiring welfare recipients to submit to a drug test if the Department of Human Services employee has reasonable suspicion of substance abuse by the recipient. The assistance eligibility will hinge on a substance abuse survey through a professional screening process and proven drug-screening tests.
Kay Green, an Ortonville resident and former Department of Social Services and later Department of Human Services administrator, has reservations regarding the bill.
‘Drug screening everyone prior to receiving assistance is just not right’it’s a violation of their civil rights,? said Green. ‘Strict guidelines regarding what to look for needs to be implemented.?
‘Just because you’re poor, you’re assuming they are on drugs, it’s just not the case. Often some families just need help for a little while until they get back on their feet. Drugs are not always involved.?
Green emphasized that drug tests for recipients should be limited to those cases where it’s highly suspected and left up to professionals to administer.
State Representative Jim Marleau (R-46th) voted in favor of the reasonable suspicion law emphasizing children as beneficiaries of the new legislation.
‘As you know, drug abuse is detrimental to Michigan’s most vulnerable, our children,? said Marleau. This initiative not only protects against abuse of the welfare system, but the abuse a child receives from a drug-addicted parent. If we are able to flag parents who abuse drugs and offer them proper assistance, in my opinion it will be the greatest accomplishment of this package.?
State Representative David Robertson (R-52 Grand Blanc) also voted in favor of the bill.
‘It’s an issue that’s come up before,? said Roberston. ‘I support the idea of drug testing. As custodian of tax dollars we have a responsibility to first get them off drugs. We won’t support their habit.?
‘I find this law very reasonable. Recipients don’t have a right to welfare benefits, we can place any condition on who receives money.?
Robertson called the argument that children are going to suffer because welfare is denied, ‘disingenuous.?
‘We’re not going to let children starve. If adults continue to use drugs and claim that since we’re denying benefits because of the addiction in some way hurts children, then in essence they are holding their own kids ransom.?
The bill will now move on to the Senate.