Drug tests for public assistance

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP/AP) - As more Americans turn to government assistance to ride out the recession, they may find themselves required to submit to random drug testing.

Lawmakers in at least eight states want recipients of food stamps, unemployment benefits or welfare to undergo tests.

Supporters of drug tests say they're motivated out of a concern for their constituents' health and whether welfare recipients can put themselves on more solid financial footing once the economy rebounds.

But proponents concede they also want to send a message: you don't get something for nothing.

Poverty and civil liberties advocates fear the strategy could backfire, discouraging some people from seeking financial aid and making already desperate situations worse.

Bill Miller, Executive Director for Friends of the Homeless, in Springfield, said a drug test shouldn't be the end of the road for those needing assistance.

"It's more expensive to look away from people and leave them outside than it is to deal with whatever their problems might be," said Miller.  "It's far cheaper to treat people than it is to jail them."

Miller told 22news the bottom line is people need help getting back on their feet, no matter what their circumstance.