Associated Press and staff report
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Ohio would screen and test welfare applicants for illegal drugs under a bill that has been introduced. The measure was introduced Wednesday.
The proposal would create a two-year pilot program in three counties that have yet to be determined. Crawford County commissioners have previously been in favor of being part of the pilot program. County Commissioner Jenny Vermillion testified before an Ohio Senate subcommittee in favor of such a program in December of 2012.
Adults applying for the state’s cash assistance program would have to complete a screening. If that shows they likely abuse drugs, they’d need to take a drug test. They couldn’t get the benefit if they test positive, but a third party could accept it on behalf of that person’s children or dependent.
Ohio’s cash assistance program’s recipients are mostly children.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio opposes the measure, saying it unfairly targets the poor. Bill sponsors Tim Schaffer and Ron Maag say it ensures taxpayer money isn’t supporting drug habits.