Governor Perry Calling for Drug-Testing for Unemployment and Welfare Benefits
By: Spencer Williams
Updated: November 14, 2012
Governor Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst are calling on the Texas Legislature to impose drug-testing for welfare and unemployment-benefits recipients. The pair appeared to support a bill pre-filed ahead of the upcoming 2013 legislative session. The measure would tie welfare and unemployment benefits to drug-testing while banning using public funds to buy alcohol, tobacco and lottery tickets.
"I am calling on the Texas Legislature to enact reforms that include authorizing the use of drug screening for TANF and unemployment benefit recipients. In the case of TANF recipients this will help prevent tax dollars going into the pockets of drug abusers or drug dealers and instead ensure that this money goes to the people who truly need it," stated Perry.
Governor Perry says the measure would also strengthen job training requirements.
"I am calling on the Texas Legislature to enact reforms that include authorizing the use of drug screening for TANF and unemployment benefit recipients. In the case of TANF recipients this will help prevent tax dollars going into the pockets of drug abusers or drug dealers and instead ensure that this money goes to the people who truly need it," stated Perry.
Governor Perry says the measure would also strengthen job training requirements.
