LaBruzzo's welfare drug testing plan dead in committee

Times Picayune ^ | May 12, 2009 | Bill Barrow

[BBell]

BATON ROUGE -- A proposal to require drug testing of adult applicants for cash public assistance programs died by a single vote today in a House committee.

The House Health and Welfare Committee's action leaves in place the state's present use of questionnaires to screen applicants for public assistance, with state employees ordering laboratory drug tests for applicants who demonstrate the possibility of testing positive. Applicants who test positive must undergo state-paid treatment plans to receive benefits.

Rep. John LaBruzzo, R-Metairie, wanted to require drug testing of all applicants and leave in place the treatment requirements for anyone who tested positive. He originally aimed House Bill 137 at recipients of the state primary assistance program for families. He amended his bill, he said, to affect only adult applicants for cash assistance.

That was not enough to satisfy concerns of his colleagues who said the bill could be found unconstitutional because it requires tests without cause. Some lawmakers also cited concerns that the state health and social service offices that handle the existing program cannot reliably predict how much LaBruzzo's bill would cost.

When he first pitched the idea, LaBruzzo argued that he would save money, presumably from more applicants being denied benefits. He shied away from that argument during today's hearing, instead saying he wants to help more drug addicts get treatment.

As for constitutional concerns, LaBruzzo said he believes language saying the tests would be intended to "test applicants' job readiness" would satisfy the courts. He compared the resulting testing model to potential employers requiring drug tests of all job applicants.

The Department of Social Services, which administers federally financed public assistance programs, did not take a formal position on the bill publicly. But Assistant Secretary Alison Neustrom told lawmakers that the current drug

[BBell]

This is the same guy who last year wanted to pay welfare mama's and daddy's do get sterilized. He realizes what a drain these people can be.

[pnh102]

This is the same guy who last year wanted to pay welfare mama's and daddy's do get sterilized. He realizes what a drain these people can be.

Amen to that. I'll be willing to guess that like with all other potential winning issues for the GOP, a few spineless members of the GOP voted against this.

[AbeKrieger]

Liberals are so heavily into evolution, but don’t hesitate to interfere with “survival of the fittest” and the culling of the herds.

[freedumb2003]

>>Liberals are so heavily into evolution,
Huh?
>>but don’t hesitate to interfere with “survival of the fittest” and the culling of the herds.

Seen Idiocracy? (I heartily recommend it)

[chris_bdba]

Well then they’d better stop testing people in the workplace for drugs because this should be equal treatment for all!

[BBell]

If they can’t get off drugs, how are you going to get them off the public dole. Maybe a drug test for public monies would be an incentive. Or maybe not.