Politics & Government
Poll: Should Welfare Recipients be Drug Tested?
On Monday, Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law requirements for parents who receive federal assistance to be tested for drugs before getting help.
Gov. Nathan Deal has signed into law drug-testing requirements for parents who receive financial help through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Deal signed House Bill 861 into law on Monday, April 16.
It forces parents to pay for and take a drug test as a condition of receiving TANF assistance. According to an AJC report, the test would cost about $17 and is expected to begin in several weeks.
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It is likely to be challenged by groups that oppose the legislation and believe it violates constitutional rights. Similar legislation was enacted in Florida in 2011, and is currently be challenged in courts.
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According to the AJC, Georgia officials have estimated 800 of 19,000 applicants would likely test positive for illegal drugs and be denied assistance.
So, what do you think, readers? Is this fair, or is the government overstepping its bounds? Take our poll below.
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