Calif. Assembly to Consider Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients

Calif. Assembly to Consider Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients
January 15, 2008

News Summary

A high-school student born to a drug-using mom has proposed a law that would require welfare applicants in California to submit to testing for illicit drugs, and the state Assembly will soon be considering the proposal.

The City News Service reported Jan. 12 that R.J. Feild, a sophomore at Jurapa Valley High School in Mira Loma, proposed the law as part of a "There Ought to Be a Law" contest sponsored by Assemblyman John J. Benoit.

"R.J.'s captivating story provided a clear reason why we need his law," Benoit said. "I look forward to introducing 'RJ's Law' in this legislative session."

Feild suffers from cerebral palsy; he was born underweight and with traces of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, alcohol, and cocaine in his body. His mother, who was on public assistance, used drugs throughout her pregnancy.

A spokesperson for Benoit said the bill was intended to "break the destructive cycle of supporting drug addicts with public assistance monies."

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Roel Flores on 21 Apr 08 11:21 AM EDT

I strongly beleive in testing welfare receipients for drugs. I am a criminal justice major and a case manager at a social service ageny that serves TANF and Food Stamp receipients. I understand the 4th amendments goal to protect against unreasonable searches as does a urine analysis or gum swab, but if I want to receive "FREE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT/TAX PAYERS MONEY" I would say "How much do you need?" We would actually save money by denying cash assistance and with cheaper drug testing costs it can be cost effective. If you saw what I see on a daily basis, then you would also feel that only the few privaliged should receive welfare. I am on the front lines, not in administration or law making where it is all theory but real and now. I ask clients when the last time they voted and most are not registered.

Posted by Linda Polk on 29 Jul 08 02:55 PM EDT

If you're going to test for drugs then you should also offer substance abuse treatment. I also work in the field and have done so for almost twenty years, I'm tried of people complaining about substance abuse, yet it's one of the first items cut from a budget. Stop criminalizing a disease. We don't do it with diabetes, cancer or any other disease. New York has a policy that somewhat addresses this issue.

Posted by Alison Nelson on 01 Aug 08 12:53 PM EDT

I am behind u 100% and it is about time! I think unemployment insurance recipients should be tested, too. I am trying to get Arizona interested in this and making it a law here.

Posted by Liz Rainaud on 04 Dec 08 10:02 PM EST

As a Registered Nurse working in Labor & Delivery, I see substance using, welfare recipients on a daily basis. It is appalling that these women are supporting the drug habits, including cigarettes and alcohol,with taxpayer money that should be used for feeding their many children. The American Government and the American people ought to be ashamed. Here is WA state, we keep increasing their monthly welfare $$ with each child! What a waste of resources. Drug test all welfare recipients!

Posted by Vinessa on 28 Feb 09 06:19 PM EST

I think this is a great law. Child support receivers and teachers should be tested as well. My husband pays child support to a woman who has their daughter sleeping on the floor, no house, no car, no job and lots of drug use. Every time we see her, she has the exact same dress on that my husband bought for her. Where is all this child support going? She's also on welfare and receives food stamps. How, with all this help from everyone else, does this child still have nothing?

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