Michigan Close To Drug Testing Welfare Recipients

By DAVID EGGERT
Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A plan to issue drug tests to welfare recipients suspected of substance abuse is nearing final approval in the Michigan Legislature.

The state House voted 74-35 Wednesday for legislation that would establish a one-year pilot program in three or more counties.

Welfare recipients under suspicion who refuse to take a drug test would lose cash assistance for at least six months. Recipients who test positive the first time would be offered treatment while still receiving benefits. Repeat offenders would be kicked out of the program.

Majority Republicans say taxpayers want to help those in need but not if they're abusing drugs.

Many Democrats say giving welfare recipients just one chance to fail doesn't recognize the realities of drug addiction. They say they also worry recipients' kids could lose benefits, too.