St. Louis County enforces STATE law requiring drug tests for drug felons on 'welfare'

[progree]

St. Louis County officials have started enforcing a state law that requires those convicted of drug felony crimes to submit to drug tests before they receive state public assistance.

The Duluth News Tribune ( http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/284017/ ) says that the "little-known law," passed by the 2012 Legislature, is now being enforced.

Said the paper:

The county enforcement effort started in October and, as of this week, 187 recipients of assistance in St. Louis County have been identified as convicted drug felons, Busche said. That’s about 4 percent of the 4,616 people receiving a benefit under the most-common state program.

A little bit more: http://www.minnpost.com/political-agenda/2013/11/st-louis-county-enforces-state-law-requiring-drug-tests-drug-felons-welfare

I thought this was a red state thing. I didn't know we had it here (well, it was passed by a red legislature and I think signed by a blue governor, and subsequently left as-is by a blue trifecta. Next time Repugs get control, I'm sure they well extend it to all welfare recipients, and when the Dems subsequently get control, will just let it stand).

Some context: "Boxed In: How a Criminal Record Keeps You Unemployed For Life"
http://www.thenation.com/article/177017/boxed-how-criminal-record-keeps-you-unemployed-life

[geardaddy]

1. I'm writing to my state senator and rep

to know that I'm disappointed in this standing under their watch.