Welfare drug-testing bill headed to Florida gov’s desk

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Source: The Washington Independent

The Florida Senate approved Thursday a measure that will require all recipients of the state program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to pass a drug test before receiving benefits, reported Sunshine State News.

Proponents of the measure, sponsored by Sen. Steve Oelrich (R-Cross Creek), have said they want to prevent taxpayer dollars from going to drug use, while opponents have said the law is unjust and discriminatory. With overwhelming Republican support, the Senate approved the mandate for illegal-drug screening 26-11; Gov. Rick Scott is expected to sign the bill.

As The Florida Independent previously reported, Florida tried to drug-test welfare recipients 10 years ago, but a pilot program found it was a waste of money. This new proposal would requires TANF applicants to pay for the drug tests, but according to Sunshine State News, recipients who pass the drug test would be reimbursed for the cost of the test.

A February report (PDF) from the Center for Law and Social Policy found that legislative proposals to drug-test TANF recipients are based on stereotypes, not evidence.

Read more: http://washingtonindependent.com/109117/welfare-drug-testing-bill-headed-to-florida-govs-desk

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If such laws are "based on stereotypes, not evidence", how do these Republicans manage to get elected? (Click into the article for links to reports.)