Section Branding
Header Content
Dems: Drug Testing For Welfare Unconstitutional
Primary Content
Supporters of the measure say requiring drug testing to qualify for "Temporary Assistance For Needy Families" benefits will save the state money. But House Democrats like Representative Roger Bruce from Atlanta say the math doesn't add up.
"The reality is most TANF benefits, 99 percent, over 99 percent actually of the benefit money comes from the federal government, said Bruce.
"Less than 1 percent comes form the state. As such, I'm not sure what kind of dollars they are talking about saving. So you have to keep asking yourself what is this really about?" he added.
To qualify for TANF, benefit recipients must make less than $10,000 per year. House Democrats said the measure unfairly creates a cloud of suspicion around Georgians with the lowest income. But advocates say the bill is needed to protect children and make sure tax dollars aren't spent on illegal drugs.
Tags: Georgia House of Representatives, Georgia politics, sasha horne, Democratic Caucus, drug testing for welfare recipients