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Finally: Mississippi to Start Drug Testing Those Receiving Financial Aid Benefits
Townhall.com ^ | March 16 | Heather Ginsberg

Posted on 03/17/2014 3:49:54 AM PDT by Kaslin

It looks like Mississippi is taking the right steps to reducing fraud when it comes to government assistance. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will now require new applicants to submit a questionnaire that will evaluate the likelihood of substance abuse.

Residents who apply for this temporary assistance from the state will have to submit to drug testing if the state deems they are likely substance abusers from this questionnaire. Testing positive once would require a TANF recipient to undergo treatment for substance abuse. For testing positive a second time, the recipient would be kicked out of the program for 90 days. A third positive result would remove the recipient for up to a year.

Governor Bryant said, “The TANF program is a safety net for families in need, and adding this screening process will aid adults who are trapped in a dependency lifestyle so they can better provide for their children.” The state will be using federal funds earmarked for TANF to administer the questionnaires and testing. They estimate the cost of testing will be only $36,000 each year.

There are currently only 9 other states that have passed legislation requiring TANF applicants to be screened for drugs. And there are at least 24 more that are looking into this type of legislation too.

This seems like a great way for the state to spend a minimal amount in order to save the system a lot of money. What many people will think here is how Republicans hate poor people and how we don’t want to help them, but in all reality we want to help those who really need it and aren’t abusing the system. The governor of Mississippi and his legislature have figured out a way to do this, and I say “kudos” to them!


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government; US: Mississippi
KEYWORDS: drugabuse; welfare
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To: Kaslin

This is great news.

Now, let’s require it for politicians.


21 posted on 03/17/2014 7:11:40 AM PDT by logitech (It is time.)
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To: Kaslin; Malichi; WXRGina; duffee; onyx; DrewsMum; Tupelo; mstar; jdirt; ...

ping


22 posted on 03/17/2014 7:21:07 AM PDT by WKB
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To: woodbutcher1963
.....a questionnaire that will evaluate the likelihood of substance abuse....

A questionnaire! By golly, that ought to do it. OTOH, this could drastically affect the American Street Drug Market, a vital economic component in urban neighborhoods. You see, indirectly the government is the largest (illegal) drug buyer in the country.

A Federal Program must be put in place immediately, immediately I say, to replace those vital dollars and restore economic stability. For the children.

23 posted on 03/17/2014 7:26:30 AM PDT by Kenny Bunk ( The Republican Party is in Hospice Care. Hold all contributions.)
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To: MeneMeneTekelUpharsin

Thats racist. :-)


24 posted on 03/17/2014 8:40:26 AM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose o f a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped.)
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To: MarMema

“That’s Slabery!”


25 posted on 03/17/2014 8:42:11 AM PDT by MrB (The difference between a Humanist and a Satanist - the latter admits whom he's working for)
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To: Kenny Bunk

And someone would complain if they were all pee tested - paying all that money to some pharma/testing company...


26 posted on 03/17/2014 8:44:48 AM PDT by MrB (The difference between a Humanist and a Satanist - the latter admits whom he's working for)
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To: Alberta's Child

You’re partially correct. I want the welfare ENDED; but this will work in the interim. I know, that whole ‘old’ document and something about ‘takings’ being so out-dated.


27 posted on 03/17/2014 9:32:14 AM PDT by i_robot73 (Give me one example and I will show where gov't is the root of the problem(s).)
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To: WKB; Black Agnes

The question remains, “what to do with our lifetime, generational welfare folks?”

Make those people re-apply?


28 posted on 03/17/2014 11:07:24 AM PDT by onyx (Please Support Free Republic - Donate Monthly! If you want on Sarah Palin's Ping List, Let Me know!)
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To: MrB
Why Mr. B, you are a bit old-fashioned.

Here in Obamerica, we have drones that can fly over your septic tank and with special sensors, made by a company owned by one of Michelle's Black Studies classmates, make sure that your family is making a healthy recreational drug choice.

29 posted on 03/17/2014 12:55:46 PM PDT by Kenny Bunk ( The Republican Party is very sick . Hold all contributions until we see who picks up the patient..)
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