W.Va. Delegate Pushes for Drug Testing Welfare Recipients
Posted: 9:43 PM Feb 22, 2009
Last Updated: 9:43 PM Feb 22, 2009
Reporter: Carrie Jones
Email Address: Carrie.Jones@wsaz.com


CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A Berkeley County Delegate is on a mission to crack down on people taking advantage of the welfare system.

Craig Blair has created a bill that calls for random drug testing for anyone who receives welfare, food assistance or unemployment benefits.

"I'm a frustrated tax payer," said Blair.

Under the bill, the Commissioner of the Division of Health and Human Resources would select recipients at random. If they fail the drug test, they'll get up to 60 days to take another test and can still draw assistance. But, if they fail the second test, it will result in their benefits being taken away.

After two years, people who have cleaned up their act can reapply for assistance.

The lawmaker says support from people around the state has pushed the idea for the bill forward.

"I want to make sure of two things, we get people off drugs in this state and we make sure that we've got the resources necessary to take care of those who are truly in need of help and haven't made a career out of being on public assistance."

The state would be in charge of paying for the testing. Blair says the number of people who are removed from the system will save the state enough money to cover the tests.

Delegate Blair hopes to introduce the bill to the House this week.

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