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DRUG TESTING?
Government Aid Recipients Could be Subject To Random Testing

Reported by: Send eMail Elizabeth Noreika
Videographer: Aaron Smeltzer
Web Producer: Elizabeth Noreika
Updated: March 5, 2009 10:52pm

EYEWITNESS NEWS ONLINE VIDEO
C L I C K   T O   P L A Y


After failing to gain bi-partisan support, Berkeley County Delegate Craig Blair is moving forward with just republican backing.

He's asking for G-O-P signatures instead of waiting for democrats to support the measure.

Now with 11 signatures, one of which is from a democratic delegate, the push to make random drug testing for people getting government assistance continues.

Blair's idea would require people getting unemployment benefits, food stamps and other help, to be subject to random drug testing.

If they test positive, they have two months to clean up their act, without their benefits affected. However if they test positive a second time they lose their assistance for two years.

This issue has many questioning if the proposal crosses first amendment lines.

Blair says he doesn't have any statistics to back his initiative, causing the state Department of Health and Human Resources to question his motive.

However officer Tony Payne with the Metro Drug Unit says drug abuse is a common problem among recipients of state and federal aide, and supports the proposition.

The bill should be read on the floor of the house on Monday.

Now if you'd like more information on this proposition you can go to Blair's web site at www.notwithmytaxdollars.com.



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